Scientific name: Lithobates clamitans
Listen when you are near permanent wetlands at night and you just might hear the call of the Green Frog, which is popularly compared to the sound of a loose banjo string. The call of the male Green Frog during their breeding season in late spring and early summer has earned this species its scientific name. While Litho is derived for the Greek word for “stone” and bates means “one who walks or haunts”, clamitans is the Latin word for “loud calling”.
Scientific name: Scolopax minor
The American Woodcock is a pudgy little shorebird with many distinctive features. Their long bill is used to probe for insects, which make up a large component of the bird’s diet. Their eyes are set further back on their head to help them see potential predators above them while they’re on the ground. Most notably, the American Woodcock has a unique bobbing walk that looks like they are rocking back and forth. It is thought that when they do this walk, they stomp the ground to stir up any insects that may be hidden.
Scientific name: Hyalophora cecropia
The Cecropia Moth is the largest moth species in North America, so you can imagine our surprise when we found it resting on the the staff house porch! The wingspan of the Cecropia Moth ranges from 13cm to an impressive 18cm, and the wings themselves boast gorgeous patterns (as seen above).When the Cecropia Moth emerges from its cocoon in the spring/early summer months, it does not possess a functional mouth. There is no need for them to eat during this adult stage of life (lasting 2 weeks) as their main goal is to reproduce.
Friends of Murphys Point Park 