Wild Fact: Bird-voiced Treefrog

If you whistle for a dog to come, you’ll know what a Bird-voiced Treefrog sounds like. Males call to attract females from May through September, emitting several high-pitched, bird-like whistles in a row. You’re more likely to hear this nocturnal amphibian than you are to see it since it is small, well camouflaged, and only descends from trees to breed. If you do catch a glimpse, the Bird-voiced Treefrog looks like a miniature Gray Treefrog but without the yellow inner thigh color.
Both Bird-voiced and Gray Treefrogs have a light spot under each eye, and body colors vary from green to gray with blotches on the back.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Armadillos

In the mid-1800s, the Nine-Banded Armadillo only lived in southern Texas. However, during the mid- to late-1900s, the range of this strange-looking, nocturnal mammal expanded to include Georgia’s Coastal Plain and parts of the Piedmont. Bony plates called scutes cover the armadillo’s body and protect it from predators. Poor eyesight is evident from its tiny eyes, but a long snout and sharp claws help with foraging for insects, worms, and small vertebrates. When frightened, armadillos often jump straight up in the air before running away. This delayed escape makes them common roadkill. Since armadillos may carry leprosy, handling them is not a good idea.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Evergreens

Even though most trees and shrubs have gone dormant and their leaves have fallen off, evergreens continue to produce oxygen this time of year. Through a complex process called photosynthesis, green plants use water and sunlight to make food as well as convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to life-sustaining oxygen.

Concentrations of CO2 in the air naturally change with the Northern Hemisphere’s seasons -- levels are higher in autumn and winter but lower in spring and summer, when more plants are green and thus able to consume the gas. Equally important but infrequently praised, phytoplankton (microscopic aquatic plants) in the ocean also absorb carbon dioxide and produce half of the earth’s oxygen.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Warning Colors

Many small animals use camouflaging colors to blend in with their surroundings and hide from predators. However, other wildlife defend themselves by displaying bold colors, which in the animal world warns “Stay away! I’m toxic!” For example, young Eastern Newts (called Red Efts) secrete toxins from their skin. Red millipedes often release hydrogen cyanide liquid when disturbed. Birds that dine on the orange and black Monarch butterfly may become ill. These defense tactics don’t always mean certain death for predators, but the unpleasant experience makes them think twice before attempting to eat a bright-colored creature again.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Flight Adaptations

Most birds can fly because their bodies are adapted to be lightweight, not just because they have feathers. Except for penguins, ostriches, and other flightless species, birds have hollow bones with internal bracings rather than heavy, solid bones. You can see this characteristic for yourself after eating a chicken or turkey dinner, simply by snapping a bone in half. Other features that prevent birds from being weighed-down include lightweight beaks (rather than a mouth full of heavy teeth) and egg laying (rather than carrying several young in a womb). Good eyesight, balance, and muscle coordination also help birds take flight.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Winter Fishing

Although Georgia’s lake fish are most active in spring and fall, you can hook one in the winter with a little patience. Fish are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature matches their environment (in this case, the cold water). Although colder fish are a bit sluggish and don’t require as much food to survive, they may still bite. Many fish huddle close to the bottom of the lake during the cold months, so try using a weighted line to fish deeper, and slowly drag your bait along the bottom. Good-sized largemouth bass and crappie may be caught this way in the winter.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Squirrels

Gray squirrels and fox squirrels live throughout Georgia. Both species are breeding this time of year and will have a second mating season from June – July. An average litter size is 3, and only the mother squirrel raises the young. Their home is either in a leaf nest or in a cavity of some sort (a hole in a tree, a nest box, or perhaps your attic). Some folks enjoy watching the antics of squirrels while others get annoyed when their birdfeeders are raided. Still others find these furry-tailed rodents tasty, so they hunt them during Georgia’s squirrel season from August 15 – February 28.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Copperhead

Of the six venomous snake species in Georgia, the Copperhead is the most common. Growing up to four feet long, this beige to peach-colored pit viper has a relatively small triangular-shaped head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensitive pit between each eye and nostril. Don’t get too close to see these features for identification though. Instead, learn to recognize its distinctive hourglass or saddle-like banding pattern. On young pit vipers, another good field mark is the bright yellow tail
tip. Small brown snakes without yellow on their tails most likely are not Copperheads but rather one of Georgia’s 35 non-venomous species.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Poison Ivy

The phrase “leaves of three, let it be” helps people to identify and subsequently avoid poison ivy. This woody vine creeps across the ground and often climbs, sometimes growing branches that look like part of a tree. Thick, older vines appear hairy since they have aerial roots. An oil called urushiol is responsible for the rash that results from touching any part of the plant.

As much as you may fear getting poison ivy, don’t be too quick to get rid of it in your yard. Many gamebirds, songbirds, and mammals eat poison ivy berries, which ripen in the fall and persist into the winter, when other foods are scarce.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Striped Skunk

The Striped Skunk is easy to recognize, either by its putrid odor or by its characteristic markings. Contrasting with black fur, a large white spot on top of the skunk’s head splits into two lines at the shoulders, which continue along the sides and towards the tail. About the size of a house cat, this mammal is strictly nocturnal, hunting shortly after sunset and returning to its burrow at sunrise. Common foods include insects, grubs, mice, eggs, berries, grains, and nuts. This omnivore also eats carrion (dead animals, often on roadsides), which may explain why skunks frequently become road kill.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Animal Activity Patterns

Biologists refer to animals that are active at night as “nocturnal” while those that come out during the day are “diurnal.” “Crepuscular” wildlife, like deer and rabbits, are most active at dawn and dusk. These various activity patterns allow more animals to use the same habitat, just at different times of the day. For example, a hawk may hunt over a field during the day while an owl may search for rodents in the same area at night. Special physical traits that aid survival under different conditions are called “adaptations” (such as a hawk’s speed and binocular vision versus an owl’s silent flight and large eyes).

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Lady Bugs

Technically called “Ladybird Beetles,” ladybugs sneak inside houses through cracks to escape cold weather. Older, light-colored houses that face south or west are especially attractive. In self-defense, these beneficial aphid-eaters may ooze a little of their blood (a smelly, yellow liquid) when handled. Use a wet/dry vacuum to capture and release them outside with less mess. Be sure to seal up any cracks in your home to prevent further invasions. Although ladybug houses in a
garden look cute, they do little to attract these insects or to keep them out of your home. Hollow plant stems, leaf litter, and rock piles make better overwintering habitats.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

WILD Facts: Deer

The white-tailed deer breeding season, also called the rut, runs from October to January in Georgia. During this time, bucks mark their territory by rubbing their antlers on trees and shrubs. They may also fight with each other, using their antlers and front feet to see which
male is dominant.

Bucks and does travel more than usual when searching for a mate. Therefore, hunters have a better chance of seeing and harvesting a deer during the rut, especially during the height of breeding activity. Although the peak of the rut varies by location, it normally occurs about mid-November in Georgia’s Piedmont region.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

WILD Fact: Head-turning owls

Four species of owls live in Georgia year-round: great-horned, barred, barn and eastern screech (in order of largest to smallest). These birds of prey use their excellent hearing and eyesight to hunt at night.

Contrary to popular belief, owls can't turn their heads all the way around. However, the extra bones in their neck allow them to turn their head about three-quarters of the way around (we can only turn our heads about halfway, from our chin to each shoulder). This adaptation is necessary since owls’ large eyes are fixed to look straight ahead; they can’t roll their eyes side to side and up and down like we can.

WILD Facts is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.

For a list of Georgia Outdoors episodes featuring birds and birding visit this website.

Wild Fact: Water Snake

Many people refer to the Cottonmouth as a “water moccasin,” but not all snakes that live in or near the water are venomous. Actually, most water snakes in Georgia are non-venomous species belonging to the genus Nerodia. These harmless reptiles frequently are misidentified as Cottonmouths because they are relatively large snakes with triangular-shaped heads. Also, body patterns may be obscured by mud, further adding to the confusion. Although pupil shape helps with identification (non-venomous have round pupils while venomous pit vipers have vertical pupils), don’t get too close to confirm this feature. All snakes have mouths and may bite if they feel threatened!

For more information on identifying Georgia’s snakes, visit the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division website. Here you can also find helpful publications, such as “Snakes of Georgia and South Carolina” and “Is It A Water Moccasin?”

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Yellow jackets

Did you know a yellow jacket actually is a wasp rather than a bee? These insects look similar, but wasps are smooth while bees are hairy. Bees eat pollen and nectar while wasps eat insects, animals, and sugary foods (including picnic snacks and soda). A wasp hive doesn’t produce honey and is made out of paper rather than wax. Both yellow jackets and bees may sting to protect their colonies, but a wasp can sting many times (bees die after stinging only once). Never squash a yellow jacket – that makes the wasp release an alarm scent, alerting other yellowjackets to flock towards you.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Chiggers

Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are the teeny-tiny larvae of harvest mites. If you spend time in weedy areas, you may get these arachnids on your body, resulting in itchy bumps. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into your skin and die. Rather, using specialized mouthparts, they attach themselves to thin skin ~ often around ankles, the backs of knees, belt lines, and armpits. Although the chigger’s bite often goes undetected, its saliva causes much discomfort. Digestive enzymes in the saliva liquefy cells, which the chigger then sucks up. Once full, the chigger falls off and continues its life cycle towards an adult mite.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Great Crested Flycatcher

If you hear an ascending “wheep” whistled from the treetops, a Great Crested Flycatcher is nearby. As its name suggests, this large songbird is one of nature’s pest controllers. Flies are only one kind of insect this species catches. Other foods include beetles, wasps, bees, crickets, moths, and caterpillars as well as fruits and berries. Rarely, flycatchers eat hummingbirds too.

Great Crested Flycatchers breed in eastern North America but migrate towards Central and South America every fall. Typical nest sites are hardwood tree cavities near clearings, although they sometimes use bird boxes in suitable habitat. Twigs, leaves, hair, feathers, snake skins, and cellophane are common nest materials.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Mosquitofish

Native to the Southeast but stocked elsewhere, mosquitofish are also known by their genus name, Gambusia. These live bearers resemble guppies, with males and females only reaching 1½ and 2½ inches long respectively. To protect themselves from big fish, mosquitofish hide in vegetation along pond edges. In these same areas, pesky mosquitoes lay eggs that hatch out into tiny, worm-like larvae. Surviving larvae turn into flying mosquitoes, but most get gobbled up before reaching adulthood. True to its name, one mosquitofish eats hundreds of larvae each day. A decrease in mosquito numbers means fewer itchy bites and fewer West Nile Virus cases.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Wild Fact: Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is the most abundant and widespread game bird in North America, despite an annual harvest in the millions. This member of the Pigeon family is about one foot long with a grayish brown back and buff-colored underside. Unlike the non-native pigeons you see in cities, Mourning Doves have pointed rather than blunt-tipped tails. As its common name suggests, this species’ call is a mournful coo (which some people mistake for an owl). Mourning Doves also make non-vocal noises too. The next time you observe this bird taking off to fly, listen for the nervous whistling sound created as wind quickly travels over its wing feathers.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.