January 15th, 2007
update on the singing winter visitor
My friend, Jim Poushinsky, sent this photo of the Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) that apparently stowed away in his house to spend the winter. As first mentioned last week, the frog was discovered after family members reported loud high-pitched chipping calls from various parts of the house on an almost daily basis. Deciding that, in all likelihood, it would be fatal to the frog to relocate it outside in midwinter, Jim’s daughter called a pet shop to see if they could offer advice on what to do. She was told to give the frog an occasional squirt from a vapourizer and offer it the odd bug. They have since been feeding it dead flies and and bugs found in firewood. So far, the frog seems to be doing well and sings several times a day.
Edit: On January 23rd, Jim posted some additional notes about the treefrog in the comments. I’m adding them here as they are of interest.
The tree frog hasn’t sung for several days, and I was beginning to worry. However he’s back on the pipe today. I think his singing may be in response to my daughter’s guitar playing and singing, as he occasionally joins in, to her delight. She and Carol are away for several days, which may explain the silence. Also, the pipe he likes to sleep on is connected to the elevated hot water tank heated by the wood stove, so the frog has an open view of the kitchen from about 7 feet up. He prefers to keep his back to us when sleeping, and often disappears for long periods, I’m guessing he goes behind the hot water tank where it’s darker. He obviously enjoys the warmth of his location.
Tags: Gray Tree Frog, Hyla versicolor
January 15th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I would love to have a tree frog to care for over the winter. It sounds like a delightful way to pass the time. That’s definitely one very lucky frog.
January 16th, 2007 at 1:40 am
Awwww. I’d have to resist the ‘mother hen’ in me that would want to relocate him to fancier digs. The plumbing under sinks is so bleak. I’d probably have to set a potted plant in there - maybe a photo of another tree frog.
January 16th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Cathy’s comment is about what I’m thinking! I had one out in the yard beside the pond this summer - I can’t imagine how loud it must be inside the house! How do they get any sleep?
;-)
January 16th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
robin - I too wouldn’t mind having a tree frog hanging out in my house for the winter. It would be nice to be occasionally serenaded by tree frog chirps!
-
Cathy - I like your thinking. I must send the suggestion to Jim. Perhaps a nice rain forest photo pinned to the wall. Surely tree frogs must also dream of warmer weather?
-
Laura - I’m not sure if the tree frog calls at night. Perhaps it’s only talkative when it hears things going on in the house. I’ll have to ask.
January 23rd, 2007 at 5:40 am
The tree frog hasn’t sung for several days, and I was beginning to worry. However he’s back on the pipe today. I think his singing may be in response to my daughter’s guitar playing and singing, as he occasionally joins in, to her delight. She and Carol are away for several days, which may explain the silence. Also, the pipe he likes to sleep on is connected to the elevated hot water tank heated by the wood stove, so the frog has an open view of the kitchen from about 7 feet up. He prefers to keep his back to us when sleeping, and often disappears for long periods, I’m guessing he goes behind the hot water tank where it’s darker. He obviously enjoys the warmth of his location.