A Froggish Valentine’s Day Present

The Pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regilla, is hereby designated as the official amphibian of the state of Washington.

Revised Code of Washington, Section 1.20.150

In my small corner of Humptulips County, the second week of February always marks the annual advent of our resident frog chorus. Why the frogs religiously stage their annual debut during the second week of February is one of nature’s mysteries which I prefer not to have explained. In my view of the world, the frog chorus demands a total immersion of the senses, and a scientific explanation would only lessen its majesty.

During the first two weeks of each February, I briefly pause in the doorway of my garage upon arriving home in anticipation of the frogs’ First Night. When First Night finally does arrive, I exit my garage to find that special spot in our field where grass, darkness and frog voices combine to overwhelm my senses to the exclusion of the ordinary. On First Night, I revel in the knowledge that I am hearing but an overture to the ever-swelling chorus that will ensue in forthcoming weeks. On First Night, I am refreshed and renewed by Nature’s ancient, natural rhythms. On First Night, I renew my vows to the small gods of field, forest and marsh.

First Night is the earliest harbinger of Spring’s impending arrival in Humptulips County. Soon the frogs’ chorus will combine with fragile snowdrops, vibrant crocuses, the faint swelling of tree limbs, and the lure of warm zephyrs to pry, one-by-one, Winter’s fingers from the land. For First Night is the true beginning of Spring-To-Come, that real and special season that is the pregnancy to Spring’s forthcoming, riotous celebration of birth. True enjoyment of Spring-To-Come demands our full concentration and careful attention to nuanced detail, and the chorus frogs serve to voice the land’s demand that we throw off Winter’s sluggishness and focus, once again, upon its earliest stirrings.

This year First Night came last Tuesday. The small marsh in the southwest corner of our property is once again alive with a chorus of the earliest frogs. Soon, the frogs resident in the small, intermittent stream behind our house will join and the chorus will become stereophonic – that may happen as soon as this evening. Accordingly, this weekend will be a time to walk our land in a warm coat, boots and hat, and, while my steps may be somewhat slower than in previous years, my mind and senses will be as fully alive as ever to the spell cast by our resident wizards of marsh and stream.

To experience a hint of their spell, scroll down and activate the audio clippings found here: www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.html . Enjoy! There is no better Valentine’s Day present than a frog in full voice.