FROGS and THINGS – July 1975

There are a number of signs that people look for, after the warm days come in April (?), and we are looking ahead to summer. The first crows that are heard are always mentioned, the first robins, and I believe next would be the first frogs. Takes quite a few warm evenings before the frogs begin to cheep, but in every swamp and pond frogs seem to come alive about the same time, and theirs is along with other spring sounds, very welcome after the long winter.

The frogs we hear first in the spring are the little frogs, and they appear to sing or chirp only for a while, as they are seldom heard after the warmer weather really sets in. Nature does some funny things, and I guess it is planned for the best, but the big frogs do not appear until well into June. These frogs are in full voice late in June and early July. Anyone who tries to sleep close to the water where it is a bit marshy has heard their calls, and it is much greater volume than the first ones we hear early in the spring.

I never did understand why they are called bull frogs, unless it is for their very loud calls. But then, it is the female (human like) that makes all the noise. Believe there are other members of the reptile (if you can call frogs reptiles. At least they are cold blooded) family where the female member of that group makes loud calls during mating season. So when you hear those loud raucous calls, almost roars, it is only the lady frog calling to her mate. I often wonder if those odd quiet soft noises, sometimes heard, are made by the male as he meekly acquiesces.

There was a young lady stayed a night in one of the cottages, couple of weeks ago, this girl had only been in Canada for three years, and her native Ireland does not have such frogs. Her room was near the water, and she had a very poor night, expecting any minute some wild creature would break into her room. Later there was a man, one who had been here before, but later in the season, also mistook the noise for some sort of animal.

The frogs are quiet tonight but it does seem more like summer when they are here, or at least calling.

Recently I mentioned that two large lake trout were caught in the lake where we were taking pictures. The ranger told me that there has not been a trout caught there since. But today, a party did catch two. One weighed 16.5 pounds and the other 8 pounds.

Still no sign of deer. A few are seen out near the settled areas, but it looks bad for hunting this fall. Some moose signs, but not as many as last year, which is to be expected after the heavy kill of last fall. Too, only a few signs of bears. Some young loons are swimming with the adult birds, and I hope the hatch is good. Have not had a single flock of mergansers reported, but there must be some, though there has been a marked decline the last few years with this member of the duck family. Have heard of a few flocks of partridge, but by signs last spring these will also be in short supply next fall.

There are a few blue herons, but it looks like they have found new nesting grounds. With the very low water they should have no trouble getting food.

Was told that there is an osprey nest at the eastern end of Butt Lake (now called Bice Lake. – ed.). That is good news. Then I also was told of one near Cripple Lake. It looked for a while that these large birds would disappear, and it is nice that they are showing signs of recovering. Years ago there were quite a number of them, and not a bit unusual to see them fishing. If you call sky diving fishing. In recent years they have been scarce.

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has managed to get his chores all finished. And the secret of how it is done. Right now I think if I was to arrive at the Golden Gate, and St. Peter asked if I wished to enter I would find out for certain if the chores had all been finished. (A final thought. If a man says he will do something, he will do that something. There is no need to remind him every 6 months! – ed.)