If you want to experience the full range of animals that inhabit your backyard, you’ll have to grab a flashlight or strap on a headlamp and take a walk outside after the sun goes down. Otherwise the world of nocturnal creatures will remain a mystery.
The gray tree frog, pictured above, can be abundant and inconspicuous at the same time. During the day, when it’s typically at rest and silent, your chances of finding it are poor, especially because it can vary its color and blend with the vegetation. At night, however, when it is wide awake, vocal and in search of insect prey, its call can be used to guide your flashlight beam through the branches overhead. Before beginning your nighttime exploration, you might consider going online and listening to the calls of native frogs and toads, which are featured on a number of websites. This will aid your search and ensure the proper identification of your quarry.
As you become more familiar with the wildlife that inhabits your backyard and surrounding neighborhoods, you may want to share your findings with others. Consider participating in Wildlife Watch, a citizen science program of the National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch/.
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