Naturally Wild

Music is in the air!

With spring comes the awakening of the natural world. Lately, I’ve been hearing croaks, ribbits, and peeps at night. The frogs are starting to stir! If you and your younger ones take a moon-lite stroll near a stream, lake, or pond, a choir of upland chorus frogs can be heard. Soon the short high pitched peeps of the spring peeper will join in along with the quick crackling of wood frogs. Maybe you will be able to hear the low trilling of an American toad and the raspy “waaah” of a fowler’s toad. This symphony from nature can be heard on warmer nights this time of year and more will join as the year goes on until it peaks with performers in summer. However, for now we can all enjoy a simpler ensemble. Even as a child, I have found listening to frogs is relaxing especially around a campfire after a fun day of play. But a musical moon-lit stroll after dinner is just as indulging.
All of these different calls serve a purpose, other than for our enjoyment. The males are calling for the females to join them.  Females will move towards the advertisement call they find most attractive.   Watch the joy in your little ones’ eyes as they search for new tadpoles in the pond that you are listening near now. I’m sure they will get just as much enjoyment  out of being able to hear wildlife so close to home, especially since it’s one last chance to go outside before bedtime. So remember, listen but don’t disturb and enjoy your next musical adventure.
Here is a website that is excellent for frog call identification: http://www.leaps.ms/soundpage.htm

Try some of these fun crafts to make your own natural music!
Rain sticks – These music makers mimic the sounds of rain and can be quite mesmerizing. I remember playing with them in The Discovery Store (way back when). They can be quite elaborate and range in all kinds and sizes. Rain sticks have been around for hundreds of years and their origin is still a mystery. What historians do know is that they have been used in South American, Central American, and Mexican natives’ cultures to create music that has a natural sound. Here is how to make your own rain stick to welcome spring.


You’ll need:
1 sturdy paper roll 
Several nails
A hammer
Dried rice
Wax paper
Scissors
2 regular sized rubber bands
Adult supervision

1.       Ask an  adult to use the hammer to secure several nails anywhere and everywhere around the paper roll. How many you use is completely up to you! Historically, this same technique was done using cactus needles or thorns from other plants.
2.       Then, seal off one end by cutting a piece out of the wax paper. The wax paper piece needs to be large enough to cover the tube opening and drape over the sides.
3.       Use the rubber band to secure the wax paper.
4.       Now, pour about a handful of rice into the tube. As the rice hit the nails, the rice will simulate the pitter patter of rain. 
5.       Then cover the other end of the tube with another piece of wax paper repeating steps 2 and 3.
6.       Viola! A completed rain stick. Now, use your imagination and creativity to decorate your rain stick in any way that you want!