We saw a tree frog once before, about three years ago. I had climbed a tree that day, with my camera, to take a picture of a nest full of fat baby robins. When I started back down the tree, I touched a frog; a gray tree frog. We held it and studied it and put it back.
I kid you not—-I was thinking about that same story and standing under the very tree, wondering when and if we would ever see another one—-on the very day, the very hour, when Ethan found a second frog, and I was right there with him when he found it!
This is how it happened. On a very wet and drippy spring day, I had Sethers outside (whenever it’s possible, we are outside so he can get tired out, a rarity in two year old boys.) and we were by the stream watching our Ethan. Ethan had his long sword and was walking along the edge of the stream, chopping down skunk cabbage. When he got to where we were sitting (on a big rock) he stopped, bent down, and picked up a gray tree frog, which was scared out of it’s little sticky wits.
I ran to get my camera and also Davy.
We are in constant contact with regular ol’ frogs all the time so it was very exciting to come across one of the very shy types who will not let us see them (they camouflage themselves) or catch them, unless by happenstance.
They have a thin and very sticky skin! Surprisingly sticky! And their little hands and feet are so cute. The front legs are short and stubby, the hands have fingers with little sticky pads at the ends. Everything is just right for climbing trees and staying attached to them.
They are all over gray, except the back legs, which have yellow on them, a bright and nice color yellow. See?
They have loose extra skin under their chins (the only comparison I could find, to people).
The only time the female croaks is to tell the male to get off after mating. Other than that, they are completely silent. The croaking we have been hearing up in the trees by our pond and stream are the males calling for some female companionship. I read that the resulting tadpoles are so well hidden that they may as well be completely invisible.
farewell gray tree frog
we hope our dry human hands
did not hurt your skin.
(a haiku, by Yours Truly)
Good to be Home 
The haiku was beautiful. ;)What a neat little frog. My kids would love to see one.Happy Thursday to you.
I actually thought of your kids the other day when a little frog startled me.:)You had some crazy weather yesterday?
Awsome our God is so creative!
@fourfiftythree – What kind of frog was it? The storm was very near us; Springfield MA was hit pretty bad, Monson MA, and (my beloved) Sturbridge were also damaged. Praying for those communities today. Thankfully we only had thunder here, and the awful humidity is gone this morning. Thanks for asking!
Shanda, I didn’t know if you were in or near the storms but I prayed for your family yesterday. I was so concerned for you all!! Thankfulyou were not in the eye of the storm….praying for all who were. Have a delightful day!! =)
You’re too funny. Scared out of his sticky wits… and the chin thing. lol. There are a few things I could say about the mating ritual, croaking thing, but I will totally hold my tongue, or fingers that is. 🙂 Always love your adventures!!
This post was a HUGE hit with the boys… they seriously what to come live with you (I’m not joking)!
@purpleamethyst76 – Not sure what type of frog it was…maybe it was just a toad. I don’t know. ;)Glad all is well in your immediate area.
oh so interesting to get to see and feel one! Wonderful discoveries in God’s good world. Yes, I was thinking of you too, and glad to hear all well with you all. I will be praying for those communities hit.
Gideon found the same type of frog the other day here! Then he proceeded to find another one…They are very neat looking!:)
pretty cool frog, and i’m not! a fan of frogs and creepy crawly type of things. =)oh, and i love your bee balm in the fiesta pitcher on your header! very! pretty!!
not too sure about actually holding a sticky frog =). Thanks for the pictures and the froggie facts.
… scared out of his little, sticky wits!! You are so funny! I love how your children (and you) are so interested in nature. What a wonderful way to learn. Hands on!
Still not online much, but wanted to say I enjoyed the b-day pictures (beautiful table colors, Rissy would be jealous – if she saw them!), I enjoyed catching up on your past blogs, and the frog is absolutely darrrrrr-ling! xo xo
Super cool for you and for the kids, your property is a living classroom!