Listen forAmphibians
Spring peepers: the tiny frogs behind the spring wetland chorus
When: March to May
From the first mild evenings of March into May, male spring peepers small enough to sit on a quarter chorus from wetlands all over eastern Massachusetts.
Why this time of year
Wetland ice has barely let go, and males that spent the winter frozen nearly solid are already thawed out and peeping for mates at dusk.
How to notice it
- On a mild, damp evening, step outside and face the nearest wet spot; the chorus carries a long way.
- Try to pick out one single peep inside the wall of sound.
- Listen for a short trill, brrrt, which is one male telling another he is too close.
- Write down the first date you hear peepers each year and compare it season to season.
Try this with kids: What date did you hear your first peeper this year?
Safety
- Listening works from a porch or driveway; if you walk to a wetland edge at dusk, bring an adult and a light.
Sources
- massaudubon.orgmales call at night from wetlands in spring; a full-grown male fits on a quarter; the brrrt call warns off rival males; peepers can freeze nearly solid in winter; tracking the first calling date year to year
- massaudubon.orgspring peepers are among the amphibians active in the March-April early spring migration to breeding wetlands
- oriannesociety.orgpeepers sometimes call again in fall when short days, cool air, and rain resemble spring; their breeding organs are already developed before winter; the phenomenon is sporadic
In the guide for March, April, May