The temperatures took a tumble and now the spring peepers are silent and with the forecast staying chilly, not sure when they will resume their chorus songs.
Spring Peeper not Peeping
Waking up and not finding a new layer of snow was a welcome relief and having some sunshine for part of the day was an extra bonus. Although traces of snow can be found, a few hardy spring peepers welcomed the forty degree day by raising their chirping voices down at the pond for the first time this spring.
Spring Peeper Peeps Spring
Signs that spring has arrived are the return the of the bluebirds (which a pretty male bluebird was singing in my yard this morning), flowers blooming (which I spotted some in town today), and the unique sound of the spring peepers. These tiny frogs make a lot of noise and I heard them singing today in the marshy areas. The spring peeper can produce its own “antifreeze” to help preserve the most essential organs in temperatures below freezing. They can actually freeze up to 70% of their body and their heart stops pumping and seem to be dead but somehow they can wake up and thaw out to join the chorus with the return of spring.
Another Sign of Spring
Spring Peeper Peeping
https://youtu.be/OSEKxiq-C8E&w=640&h=430&rel=0
Yesterday I heard the first frogs of spring, but they are not the deep sounding bull frogs or other larger species. Instead they are tiny little frogs, although they produce a loud noise, they are often less than an one inch long so they are very hard to find unless you see the water ripping as they make their music. On a warm night, the chorus of Spring Peeper carries on the air, as they emerge to feed and sing. They are among the first frogs in the regions to call in the spring and as their name suggests, their high-pitched call similar to that of a young chicken.
Spotting the Spring Peeper