Frogs - Nature Journal + Photos of Frogs at Our Farm

The frogs are out singing in the pond again. It's one of my favorite sounds in the Spring. Once the ground is thawing, the frogs start singing. They sing with their vocal sacs.

Each time a frog jumps, it may jump in a different direction from the last jump. This "zigzagging" confuses the frog's follower. Sometimes a frog leaps into a pond or puddle to hid.

Western Chorus Frog that the girls found on July 29, 2012.

We have many types of frogs that live at the farm. One of the first ones we hear each year is the Spring Peeper. Some facts about these type of frogs:
- Very tiny - 3/4" to 1 1/4" long.
- Tan or brown in color.
- Has a darker "X" marking across its back.
- Has adhesive pads on its toes to climb smooth, vertical objects.
- Likes living in woodlands in eastern and northwestern Minnesota.

Northern Leopard Frog

(Taken on April 30, 2011.)

Northern Leopard Frog:
- Often called a "Grass frog."
- 2" to 3 1/2" long - considered a large frog.
- Green or brown with 2-3 rows of dark spots on the back of varying sizes.
- Song sounds like snoring mixed with grunts and squeaks.

Gray Tree Frog:
- 1 1/4" to 2" long.
- Can be gray or green.
- When warm and on vegetation, they are green.
- Has large toe pads - so it's a good climber.
- Found all over Minnesota in woodlands.
- Has rough skin.

Wood Frog that the girls found in the backyard.

(Taken on May 29, 2011.)

The frogs are all in the pond area. They haven't yet made their way to the house and yard area. During the summer, the frogs will climb on the home and windows at night. Bugs are attracted to the light inside our home, and the frogs wait patiently on the windows for their nightly dinner.