Peepers
So, I almost decided not to ride today. The temperatures are pretty comfortable, but that wind that Greg showed us a day or so ago has made it’s way east, strong enough to rattle the windows in the house. But, I decided I should at least do a little ride around the neighborhood. Once out doing that, I decided that I should at least head down to the main road to see what was going on. Once down there, I decided I should really head out one of the local gravel roads to check the current road conditions. So, before I knew it, my casual spin around the neighborhood turned into a decent hour or so ride.
I didn’t think I would have much opportunity to catch any interesting sounds on this ride. I could have captured some wind noise or course, but that seems like old news at this point. I’m glad I headed off on that gravel road, though. Nearing this little swampy area, I got to hear the spring peepers for the first time this season. It’s one of my favorite sounds of spring.
What’s a spring peeper you ask? From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_peeper
And quoting the National Wildlife Federation:
“Spring peepers are known for the males’ mating call—a high-pitched whistling or peeping sound repeated about 20 times a minute. However, the faster and louder they sing, the greater the chances of attracting a mate. They often congregate near water and sing in trios, with the deepest-voiced frog starting the call.“
Here’s wishing these little guys a happy romantic life.
4 response to "Peepers"
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That is a great sound. It reminds me a bit of the cicadas I remember from my youth. Hey! You should take a road trip south and capture a clip of Brood X when they emerge from their 17 year slumber. I’m pretty sure this is the same brood I remember from my childhood in West Virginia.
Interesting reading about Brood X. I was familiar with the general story on cicadas, but hadn’t really heard much about the various broods. That would actually be kind of a fun trip. If I put a plan in place, do you think the cicadas would adhere to my schedule?
I do love that sound. I’ve heard it so loud in the northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin a few times that we had to raise our voices to have a conversation. Also, I remember that if you shout really loud, all of the peepers will immediately stop . . . for one second. Then they resume as if nothing had happened.
Since Scott brought up cicadas, I have another story to tell. Something like 25 years ago I just happened to be in the Missouri Ozarks when the 17-year cicada hatch coincided with the 11-year cicada hatch. Man, that was unbelievably loud and I still consider it one of the most amazing wildlife experiences I’ve ever had. That convergence of the two broods only happens about every 200 years.
We have a little marshy area right down the street from our house, where the peepers tend to gather. We can hear them pretty distinctly when our windows are open, and yes if you walk right down to the edge of the marsh, they can be incredibly loud. In fact, I just walked down there, so here is a little encore performance, quite a bit louder than I posted above. https://youtu.be/AQUxUfEprlA