World Listening Day is celebrated annually on July 18th to encourage people to take time to listen to their surroundings.

Virginia, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, is home to a variety of wildlife. Here are five distinct animal sounds you might hear while exploring the natural beauty of this state:

1. Eastern Whip-poor-will: This nocturnal bird is named after its unique call, which sounds like “whip-poor-will” repeated over and over. You are most likely to hear this sound during the evening and early morning hours, especially in wooded areas when they travel to northern Virginia during breeding season. The rhythmic and repetitive call is both eerie and enchanting, adding a mystical quality to the nighttime atmosphere.
2. American Bullfrog: The deep, resonant croak of the American Bullfrog is a common sound in Virginia’s wetlands and ponds. Their call, which can be described as a loud “jug-o-rum,” is most prominent during the warmer months of late spring and summer. This booming sound can carry quite a distance, often leading you to a hidden water habitat even before you see the frog itself.
3. Red Fox: The Red Fox, common in both rural and suburban areas of Virginia, has a distinctive, eerie scream that can be quite startling if you hear it at night. This scream is often described as a high-pitched “waaaaah” or “wow-wow-wow” and is used for communication, especially during the breeding season.
4. Gray Tree Frog: These small amphibians are known for their loud, trilling calls that can be heard from late spring through summer. The sound is a series of rapid, musical trills that can make it seem like the trees themselves are singing. Gray Tree Frogs are often found in wooded areas near water, and their calls are a delightful addition to the summer night chorus. This species occurs in the Virginia mountains north and east of the New River watershed, through the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont.
5. Eastern Screech Owl: Despite their small size, Eastern Screech Owls have a haunting, tremulous call that can be heard in wooded areas and suburban parks throughout Virginia. Their call is often described as a series of whinnies or soft trills, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder in the nighttime forest.

These sounds are just a glimpse of the rich auditory tapestry of Virginia’s wildlife. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, relaxing by a pond, exploring Virginia beaches or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, the diverse calls of these animals offer a fascinating connection to the natural world.