Finally, during the middle of summer, the narrow-mouthed toad’s nasal, sheep-like bleat can sometimes be heard after heavy rains. Along the creek’s edge can sometimes be heard the “click-click” or “geek-geek” of the cricket frog and the deep “jugo-rum” of the bullfrog.
The low-pitched bird-like trills of the gray treefrog can be heard from the trees. The green or bronze frog emits a “gunk-gunk” from the stream’s edge, and the Fowler’s toad gives a plaintive “waaaaah.” During the late spring and summer, several other species begin calling.
RUBY ANIMAL WANDERING WILLOWS FULL
As spring gets into full swing, several other frogs voice their calls. The latter sound is often described as if one were rubbing your hand over a balloon. At this time or slightly later, the “rink, rink” of the mountain chorus frog and the guttural croaks and clucks of the leopard frog can also be heard. Beginning in late winter and early spring, the high-pitched “peep” of the spring peeper can be heard. Collins.įrogs primarily call when breeding conditions become right, and that time varies with the species. Mount Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America by R. For more information on the amphibians and reptiles found in Jemison Park or elsewhere in Alabama, two excellent references are The Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama by R. If you look closely at one of these depressions on the bottom of the creek, you may well see the male longear sunfish dutifully guarding his nest.Īlabama has more than 135 species of amphibians and reptiles. He even defends the nest and young for a while after they hatch. Following laying and fertilization of the eggs, the male chases her away and proceeds to defiantly guard the nest and eggs from hungry fellow fish for several days. Using his tail, the brightly colored male fans out the depression in a gravel or sand area. In Shades Creek, these depressions are usually made by males of the longear sunfish. These are the nests of members of the sunfish family. What Are Those Saucer-Shaped Depressions in the Creek?ĭuring the spring and summer, you may have noticed some saucer-shaped depressions on the bottom of the creek. Mayden.īlack-tailed Redhorse, Moxostoma poecilurumīlackspotted Topminnow, Fundulus olivaceusīlackbanded Darter, Percina nigrofasciata For more information on the fishes found in Shades Creek or elsewhere in Alabama, two excellent references are Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin by M. Alabama has an incredible variety of freshwater fish species. Many sensitive species are becoming more difficult to find due to the shrinking range of healthy habitat. Listen carefully for a very high-pitched “tseet” given at intervals of 3-5 seconds, sometimes continuing for several minutes. The nocturnal flying squirrel is not often seen but can occasionally be heard in the darkness of the night.
RUBY ANIMAL WANDERING WILLOWS SKIN
A loose fold of skin attached to the foreleg and hind leg on each side allows it to glide from tree to tree when the legs are extended.
The Southern Flying Squirrel is 5 l/2 to 6 inches in body length with a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-inch tail, thus much smaller than the common gray squirrel. If your ears are tuned for small sounds, you might notice at nightfall the small, high-pitched squeak of a flying squirrel amid the large trees in the park forest. Grossenherden A Field Guide to Animal Tracks by O. For more information on the mammals found in and near Jemison Park or elsewhere in Alabama, good references are A Field Guide to the Mammals by W. Who will furnish their next tree?ĭue to their generally secretive nature and often nocturnal habits, more mammals are found in Jemison Park than you might suspect. Among the major reasons to leave dead trees standing in the park, even as cut-off stubs 20-30 feet tall, is that they become a feeding habitat for woodpeckers and other insect-eaters and nesting habitat for cavity dwellers, such as Barred Owls. Barred Owls have long life spans and have been known to nest in the same area for over thirty years. Other guttural and expressive vocal efforts as these owls communicate over the valley can be heard throughout the night and are spectacular. Their distinctive eight-note call is generally rendered in our area as, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you’alllll,” the extended ending dropping in pitch and tempo. Three species of owls have been seen or heard regularly along the creek, the most noticeable being the large, brown-eyed Barred Owl.
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