> So I might have a chance at Hyla versicolor? We have been unable to
> demonstrate it in Georgia, though we have a hybrid gray that gives
what
> sounds like the same call. I'd like to come up with some H.
versicolor.
You have a very good chance at getting the Gray Treefrog.
The hardest part is figuring out the difference in call from the
Copes. It seems that many Herp people do not have the difference
figured out right. Even Lang (sorry, not a cheap shot)has an
inadequate description on the MN tape for training the frog survey
people. And by my observation, the WI DNR frog site outright has it
wrong.
I hope I did not just dig a big hole for myself as you recall I am
not the pro herper.
>
> > For "bugger recordists" it is prime cricket and night bug season.
> > For "bots" it is one month to peak tree color.
> > For "fisherman" it is time for the Muskie trophies.
> >
> > I recommend the Southern Kettle Moraine area. For an enjoyable
area
> > with nice small hills made when the last big chunk of ice stopped
> > there.
> >
>
> I was last in the Kettle Moraine area over 50 years ago, sounds
like I
> remember. Any particular reason for the Southern unit over the
Northern?
>
I mentioned the southern section because I figured you were comming
out of downtown Milwaukee and it is closer as I remember it.
> And what about Horicon Marsh? I'm not a great fan of large cattail
> marshes down here as the frogs don't seem to care for them. But
what's
> there? And is there much access?
Horicon is a nice area in the fall but it is a drive from Milwaukee.
For sound recording it has close highways on three sides and the best
approach is from the east into the middle. The auto tour route on
the north has to much vehicle noise. The only ways into the wet
areas are by good condition roads. This area of WI has no semi-
roads. Although they have large populations of Geese, this area is
still a very agricultural developed area not wildlife area type.
>
> Speaking of state run things looks like there is a permit system.
Extra
> cost for foreign visitors like me. They are not very clear, is
there a
> separate per person and per car fee? Or is there a annual pass that
> covers all? I already have a golden eagle to cover most fed things.
>
All the wildlife areas (state and fed) are free if open. As well as
state and federal forrest land in the north. State parks have a fee
and I do not recall what a three day pass is. For sound, the
Natural, Scientific, and wildlife areas are better than the parks.
Some areas like those anywhere near the whoopers in Neceedah are
closed. If you do want to go there request from the staff permission
to use the "bunker" as it is the only close recording area for the
whoopers. It is not talked about much but does exsist. Do not be
afraid to ask how to pronounce the staff peoples names as there are
some very difficult ...ski names in this area as well as in Horicon.
I found it better to ask than to slaughter the names in this area of
WI.
For the best birding areas near Milwaukee contact John Feith from
this list as he has worked the entire southern WI area but not for
frogs.
> Thanks for the rundown summary, Rich.
>
> Walt
>
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