Members of the Croaking Chorus
Flickr/patti
Nature
State Park Programs Shed Light on Night Critters
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Chuck-Will’s-Widow also prefers the night life. Similarly patterned like the Common Nighthawk, he stays hidden by day. Both birds make up part of a bird species known as goat suckers. Long ago, goat herders gave them this unflattering name based on the mistaken belief that the birds would fly into their goat pens at night and drink milk from the goats. The herders also believed this caused the goats to go blind. In fact, the birds were more likely after their dinner, taking advantage of the insects congregating at the goat pens, rather than goat’s milk.
Gray Tree Frog. Photo: courtesy of Craig Hensley, Guadalupe River State Park
Participants in A Froggin’ We Will Go get the chance to eavesdrop on a number of amphibians that call the park home. Hensley begins the program by giving a talk discussing the range of frogs and toads found in the area.
Afterward, it’s go time. Flashlights and headlamps dot the night on a quest to find which croaking choristers are headlining this night’s performance. Below check out some of the many toad-y troubadours and their froggy friends.
Gray Tree Frogs have the ability to change colors to match their environment. They rarely leave the high branches of trees except for breeding.
Gulf Coast Toad. Photo: courtesy of Craig Hensley, Guadalupe River State Park
Gulf Coast Toads typically live near a permanent source of water where they breed in early spring. They also inhabit many suburban backyards. But these medium-sized toads can travel long distances when foraging for food.
Rio Grande Leopard Frog. Photo: courtesy of Craig Hensley, Guadalupe River State Park
The Rio Grande Leopard Frog looks far and wide for his bride. His distinct rattling mating call travels nearly a quarter of a mile or more. Found most often near streams and ponds, the Rio Grande Leopard Frog can also survive dry and cold conditions by burrowing into the ground.
Blanchard’s Cricket Frog. Photo: courtesy of Craig Hensley, Guadalupe River State Park
Blanchard’s Cricket Frog spends more time in and around water than any other tree frog. They live in stagnant, still water and make a metallic clicking sound to attract the ladies.
Cliff Chirping Toad. Photo: courtesy of Craig Hensley, Guadalupe River State Park
The Cliff Chirping Toad sounds like a cricket or strange night bird. When gathered together with his buddies, these toads more than accommodate for their tiny body size by creating quite the racket.
The birds and frogs of GRSP don’t just live in the park. They inhabit most of the Texas Hill Country area. Residents that attend one of Henley’s programs receive some long lasting benefits. Not only do they walk away with more appreciation for nature at night, now they can go to their own backyards and with little more than a lawn chair and a flashlight recreate their park experience right at home. For more adventures in the dark, check out the other nighttime park offerings on the events page of the Guadalupe River State Park website.
Several Texas state parks offer programs at night. And they’re not just for campers either. Even those not spending the night can participate in the programs. Check each individual park’s website to see the night programs on offer. It’s a good idea to call first before heading out if the weather looks dicey.
Guadalupe River State Park; 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch; (830) 438-2656; Admission to the park is $7; night programs are free and open to everyone. Check out the events page for more night programs and information.
