I found this visitor on the patio this afternoon when I put up the sun umbrella. He/she had been sheltered underneath the umbrella. This is a gray tree frog. They change colors to blend in with their surroundings. I have seen green and brown ones, but with these markings, they are apparently still considered to be the gray tree frog.

You can see his toe pads which are sticky for clinging and climbing. I performed an internet search and was surprised to find that these little guys can live 7-9 years! They eat mostly crickets, but also a variety of other soft, small things such as worms, moths, mosquitoes, etc.

I love to listen to the songs these little guys sing. Maybe I’ve been listening to the same frogs for the past several years! Nature surprises me again.