Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Hunting Peepers With Sally

Spring time has arrived a week early here in Southern Pennsylvania!  And with every spring in Southern PA, the earth comes alive! If you happen to be out taking an early evening hike through the wooded wetlands, you will undoubtedly cross paths with thousands of amorous male peepers emitting a sleigh-bell like chorus that is so loud, you can hardly hear yourself think.   

My friend Sally and I decided to get up close and personal with these paperclip size amphibians tonight at the nearby state park. Our goal was to record the sound they make and possibly get some snapshots of them. They emerge just at dusk so they can eat and breed. Sally and I learned that the spring peepers are extremely hard to spot, because they are so small in size and their camouflaged skin blends with the earth tones.  

The kids at the park had no problem at all spotting these critters. Here, a brave little girl holds two in her hands.


Some people may take for granted the sound of the peepers. But not Sally and I. For us, it is a sure sign that spring has arrived and winter is finally over! Take a listen to my recording of the spring peepers, or the technical name: Pseudacris Crucifer and be sure to crank up your speakers to get the full effect. 


4 comments:

Jen said...

Not me... I love Spring Peepers! I just noticed they were back this week, it makes me smile when I hear them. I love this time of year, I can leave the windows open & fall asleep to the sound of peepers :)

Faye said...

Learned something new this morning Kelly. Had no idea what peepers are. And nice to be reminded that you can hear the seasons change--especially spring--as well as see them. Peeper hunting, a new tradition?

kayerj said...

I love the picture and that's one of the things I miss since moving into town--I don't hear the frogs as I go to sleep.

betty said...

Interesting sound these peepers make; I bet it is good to see them to signify that spring is so very close and winter is a thing behind for this year at least!

betty

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