Pacific Tree Frogs - A courting in Clark County, Washington

“Froggie went a courting and he did ride, uh huh.”  Remember that song ?  I used to listen to a Burl Ives version of the tune as a kid and still have a fascination with frogs.  This time of year in Clark County, Washington the froggies are certainly out in full force.



The Pacific Tree Frog is the official state amphibian of Washington and we see them on a regular basis in the summer. Sometimes they startle as they leap out from under a flower pot, hop off a blossom, or hide out in the shadows near a water feature.



“Ribbit, ribbit,” sings the Pacific Tree Frog, and surprisingly, it is the only frog that utters that sound. When Hollywood movie makers want to convey the sound of night time  outdoors, they record the sounds of tree frogs.

 

The song is designed mainly to attract females. No surprise there, right? This calling prompts other males to join in the song, and soon there is a loud chorus on spring evenings when temperatures are above 45 degrees.



In Washington, Pacific Tree frogs move into their breeding habitat from February to July.  Sites include ponds, swamps, marshes, road side ditches - even puddles.  Outside of the breeding season frogs can be anywhere.



You’ll see adult tree frogs in forests, including woodlands, meadows, pastures, and gardens—at times several hundred yards from water. They are the smallest frog in Washington state, but the most commonly seen - and heard. 



Attracting Pacific Tree Frogs to your Clark County, WA property.

The chance of attracting and keeping frogs on your property increase greatly if you are adjacent to an undeveloped area, such as a greenbelt or other wild area, or if it is next to a wetland, storm water retention pond, or other fresh water.

Naturally, maintaining a natural landscape increases of your odds of playing host to Pacific Tree Frogs. These frogs are very good at colonizing new areas.



If frogs are not present in your yard, there is probably a good reason. Generally, the conditions surrounding your property are not right for them. Attempting to move a frog into your yard when conditions are not appropriate for it will probably result in killing the animal. 

Protection of Pacific Tree Frogs in Clark County, Washington.

With a bit of thought, you’ll soon have frogs hopping and singing throughout your gardens. 


All amphibians have permeable skin which makes them vulnerable to pesticides and herbicides.  They can also be poisoned from their food, such as slugs and snails. In addition, moss removal products can also be toxic and runoff often flows directly into frog habitat.

Our Camas home is located near a wetland, and as an EcoBroker, and Realtor® it is my goal to protect the many creatures who live nearby. Therefore, we garden naturally, without the use of toxic chemicals The protection of our wildlife and ecosystems has to be a top priority for all of us.

 If you’re lucky you’ll spot a Pacific Tree Frog or two, or hear their familiar “Ribbit, ribbit” tune somewhere nearby. These photos show a couple of the Pacific Tree Frogs who live in our patio and gardens.  


It’s summer in Clark County, WA and “Froggie went a courting.”