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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
Answer - D - The Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)
The reproductive ability of this frog is astounding. How many eggs can the female lay?
A) 500
B) 1000
C) More than 1000
Answer - C - Female can lay up to 1500 eggs!
Want to hear the mating call?
Go to http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recNum=AR0155
NOTE: According to Joe Collins - Co-Author of Amphibians, Reptiles and Turtles of Kansas - http://www.amazon.com/Amphibians-Reptiles-Turtles-Kansas-Collins/dp/0972015450
the Western Chorus Frog name and genus/species has changed to the Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)
Next blog - next week
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