As evening approaches on the island of Barbados, you will start to hear the sounds of what first appears to be the sound of flutes.
Being from the Midwest USA, the only thing I can relate the sound to is the sound of crickets in the summer.
However, this does not fully describe the melodious sound of the the Barbados Whistling Frog. The most interesting aspect of the Whistling Frog is that you never see them, and only hear their song of unison throughout the night.
Several things, aside from their whistle, distinguish these frogs from other species around the world. The whistling frogs give birth to live young, not tadpoles as with normal frogs, and instead of webbed feet, these little guys have "fingers".
On my first visit to the island, I can remember being confused as to the origin of the sound. Even though I was eventually told about the Whistling Frog, I could hardly believe this lovely sound could possibly come from tiny frogs.
Over the years I have found the "song of the frogs" to be strangely reassuring, and look forward to the nightly orchestra.
If you're in the St Lawrence Gap area, stop by one of my husbands favorite hangouts, The Whistling Frog, located at Time Out At The Gap Hotel.
The Whistling Frog restaurant/bar offers a very good selection of food and drinks at moderate prices. Live entertainment is provided on a weekly basis.
The bar is also a favorite spot for musicians who perform at the Barbados Jazz Festival, held in January of each year - the musicians often stop in and perform.