If you live around wetlands or other bodies of water, you are probably hearing the chirps, peeps, and croaks of resident frog species this time of year. In the last week, naturalists have heard the mating calls from males of three species of frogs – western chorus frogs, northern spring peepers, and wood frogs. These species spend the winter in brumation (a hibernation-like state in reptiles and amphibians) and become more active in late winter or early spring when it is time for them to mate.
The singing you hear is coming from male frogs only. The females follow these mating sounds to the nearest vernal (seasonal) pond or wetland the males are calling from to find the best mate.
Listen for the calls of the western chorus frog, similar sounding to someone running their finger over a fine-toothed comb. The chorus frog is only about one inch and lives in marshes, meadows, and swamps.
The less than 1-1/2 inch northern spring peeper gets its name from the high-pitched “peep” calls it makes in its home in temporary or permanent ponds, flooded areas, or marshes.
Wood frogs are less common than the previous two and are larger, measuring about 1.5 – 3 inches and are found in moist woodlands. Listen for what sounds like a duck quack or a small dog barking to locate them.
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