Spring Peepers

Among the first true signs of spring is the mating call of the Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer). These little frogs are among the very first to call and breed in the spring. Spring Peepers are a member of the genus Pseudacris (Chorus frogs) and can be identified by a dark cross that roughly forms an X on their back (thus the Latin name crucifer, meaning cross-bearer).

Pseudacris crucifer = Chorus frog with an "X" on its back

After two days of searching, I was able to photograph this Spring Peeper at our pond. Spring Peepers are most often heard but not seen because they are small (less than 1.25 inches) and nocturnal.

Another sign of spring

A couple of warm days within the past week removed the ice from the wetlands near the well pad construction. The frogs and spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) have started their vocalization of the coming of spring.

Hundreds of frogs were in the wetland pond creating enough sound to drowned out the equipment noise of the well pad construction. One of the southern construction workers even asked about the source of the sound.

The bumps on the water surface are frogs. (Click on photo to enlarge the view)