Frogs and Toads everywhere

Well, I managed to get Kirk up to go in search of the chorus of toads and frogs surrounding our campsite last night.

C'mon Kirk

The warm night air smells of rain and earth.  Alive with sound.  The churring, chirping calls of toads, Sheep frogs (yes they sound like "baaaa"), the sharp quick notes of Mexican tree frogs, the high buzz like call of a Narrow-mouthed toad, bird-like calls of chirping frogs, and the deep bass calls of Bullfrogs.  All against the high pitched drone of insects in the background.

Best guess, Couch's Spadefoot toad about 3 inches long

These are advertisement calls.  The males are attempting to attract females while warning off rivals.  As Kirk and I walk, frogs and toads hop about us on the warm paved paths.  Some of the toads such as Couch's Spadefoot are rarely seen without rain. They burrow deeply underground.  But tonight they are everywhere.

Chirping frog??? White-lipped frog???

Sheep frog

Tonight the Spadefoot toads have disappeared into their burrows.  The night is a little cooler and less humid.  The chorus continues, the romance and struggle of procreation in nature taking place in a small swamp next door to us in Rockport Texas.  (Not a mosquito to be seen or heard!)

Here is a link to the toads and frogs of Texas with their calls:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/amphibian_watch/amphibian_species/