There is a mistaken belief that the country is quiet and peaceful. Maybe it is at some times. Right now the noisy country is in full swing.
Tree Frogs
The house is ringed with rain barrels. We use the water for plants inside and outside the house.
Looking around the house there are these gray mottled lumps tucked into nooks. Closer inspection shows these are frogs, gray tree frogs. They don’t seem to do anything all day. It would be nice if they would snack on some of the flying insects zipping by them.
As evening approaches, these frogs migrate to the rain barrels. They think the barrels are there just for them. One or more line up along the top edges. By dark the chorus is in full voice, almost loud enough to drown out any converstaion or other noise near them.
City people find this annoying. Noisy country frogs make sleeping impossible.
Whip Poor Will
One lone whip poor will still comes to the valley. He claims the valley as his own, moving from place to place calling whip poor will over and over.
This year the bird begins calling at eight thirty and continues until dawn. I can listen while I milk. Some nights he sits just outside the milk room to serenade me.
Cicadas
This year the cicadas are already buzzing from the time the sun lights up the trees to sunset every day. These are the ones that emerge every thirteen or seventeen years.
Usually the annual cicadas don’t start emerging and calling until June or July. Their chorus is louder.
People
I’ve heard people complain about the noisy country sounds. Then they drive down the road with their radios blaring. I can hear them laughing and shouting for a quarter mile as they pass the house. Then the four wheelers and side-by-sides with no mufflers come roaring by.
Given the option, I far prefer my noisy country filled with cicadas, tree frogs and birds to the noise people make.
More of the wildlife is featured in essays in “Exploring the Ozark Hills“.