Sunday, March 20, 2011

First Frog of Spring


An adult specimen from Anderson County, Kansas
Image © Suzanne L. Collins, 2001


It's been in the 60's and 70's almost all week in Kansas City. Crocuses are starting to bloom and hyacinths are about 2 weeks away from blooming. But what I listen for are the sounds of spring.

The first sound I always listen for is a particular species of frog. This frog lives in eastern and central North America. They call as early as late February in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. I've even heard their mating calls while it's snowing outside! If you live near a roadside ditch, pond or stream you've probably heard these tiny creatures. Males congregate in large numbers (only males call) and can be heard up to a quarter mile away. The call - a "crreek" lasting 1-2 seconds, sounds similar to running your fingers down the length of a comb.

A picture of this amphibian is above.

What is this frog?
A) Bullfrog
B) Cricket Frog
C) Leopard Frog
D) Chorus Frog


The reproductive ability of this frog is astounding. How many eggs can the female lay?
A) 500
B) 1000
C) More than 1000

Answers later this week

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