#NatureSpeaks

Take Time to L I S T E N 

We often don't hear the simple sounds of nature around us, or see its exquisite beauty. This page offers an opportunity to focus on sounds and images you might otherwise miss.  Some will be familiar, some will not.  See how many you can recognize.   

This is a work-in-progress.   Sounds and images will be added as they are collected. If you've been challenged by our Facebook posts this is the place you can confirm your identifications.

Sounds of Spring

SS# 1

  • Identification

    This is a chorus of male American Toads (Bufo americanus).  Many people guessed these were frogs which are close relatives.  Toads have dry warty skin and tend to be less aquatic than frogs. Except during their mating season in the spring when male and female toads gather at ponds and streams to mate and lay long strands of eggs.

  • Location

    These toads were recorded in the back yard of a house in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, USA

  • Date and Time

    The recording was made on April 8, 2019 at 9:45 pm.

SS#2

  • Identification

    This pure and sweet song belongs to a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).  Males are busily setting up breeding territories at this time of year and their singing proclaims to others "This area is mine!"  If you find the song both pure and sweet it may help you remember his call as saying " Pure, Sweet Canada Canada Canada!"


    If you have a sharp ear you will pick up some other calls on this recording as well.   At least one Red-bellied Woodpecker can be heard

  • Date and Time

    The recording was made on April 12, 2019 at 11:02 am.

  • Location

    This recording was made at the Norristown Farm Park in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, USA.  

SS#3

  • Identification

    The correct answer is a.  This is the song of the aptly named song sparrow (Melospiza melodia).  As with most North American song birds they are especially vocal in the spring as they defend territories and try to attract mates.  

    The other species heard are b: the American robin (Turdus migratorius) and c: the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).  Both are also commonly heard spring vocalists through most of North America.

  • Date and Time

    The recording was made in April and May, 2019..

  • Location

    All recordings at Norristown Farm Park, Montgomery County Pennsylvania.