This isn’t about a bird. It’s about the American Toads that were singing endlessly in the marsh behind our house. They’re as good as birdsong for me. There are several out there, along with at least three frog species. They were singing me to sleep, and greeting me in the morning. Each toad picks a pitch at which to sing (one note held for as long as 20 seconds). The next toad selects a slightly different pitch so he can be recognized as an individual. I finally saw one a couple of days ago, just before they went quiet, thanks to a friend with sharp eyes. The toad takes a deep breath, inflates his throat pouch, and sings away. Toads, by the way, don’t give you warts if handled. They will, however, urinate on you, and also secrete a foul-smelling liquid if annoyed. Best just listen to them. 

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