Is it spring? The sounds of the frog chorus are so loud and constant, it is difficult to carry on a conversation over the raucous. The bullfrogs emerged this weekend to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.
Why do we rely upon the groundhog to predict spring? Why not the frog songs? There are a lot of frog reflections in the water today. Thinking about this, I answered my own question.
The groundhog is all furry and fat. He has that cuddly and c-u-t-e factor going for him. The bullfrog has that e-w-w factor going against him. Who wants to pick up a slimy frog to pose for photos every year? The critter just doesn't have that same Hollywood appeal as a groundhog.
What's the most disgusting thing a princess does in a fairy tale? Kiss a frog! What about trolls under bridges? We have two bridges over our stream where the bullfrogs congregate. It doesn't take much of a stretch of the imagination to think that these may be the models for trolls in fairy tales. Our bullfrogs are the size of chihuahuas! Really.
If you think that I'm being too harsh, fellow gardeners, know this... bullfrogs eat butterflies... they eat birds, too!
Story and photo by Freda Cameron