31 March 2026

Yesterday on McMichael Road at Conneaut Marsh we saw thousands of ducks and were serenaded by the jingling sound of spring peepers, the quacking of wood frogs, and a mysterious growl that reminded me of anhinga courtship.

Using frog-call phenology from earlier this month (From Peepers to Bullfrogs: Here’s Who Sings When) I figured out they were northern leopard frogs. This MrLundScience video shows what they look and sound like. Notice the amazing air sacs.

Why did the frog sounds remind me of courting anhingas?

When I visit southeastern Florida to escape northern winter I make sure to stop at Wakodahatchee Wetlands to see the water birds. At that time of year anhingas are courting and nesting on top of low shrubby trees surrounded by water (pond apple trees?). Their courtship calls could almost be mistaken for frogs except that the anhingas make a big show while they do it.

The leopard frogs and anhingas both growl and rattle to attract mates.