Temps reached up into the 50’s for the first time since March 11th, so I went out to see what was calling. Wood frogs and Spring Peepers were going full tilt and it made me wonder if they were calling sooner. My past experience has shown that if temps stay in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s, nothing but an isolated Peeper will be calling. In fact, I’ve witnessed a Spring Peeper calling 03/29/2011 after 3 inches of snow had fallen during the day and the pond surface was glazing over. The leech was an interesting find as was the Predaceous Diving Beetle making short work of the Spring Peeper. Cleveland is supposed to be getting some showers today so I’m curious to see if any more Spotted Salamanders will be migrating like they were on the 11th.
Here is the beginning of the 2013 migration in Northern Ohio. Temps were in the 50’s all day long and an inch of rain fell throughout the day. As the showers passed in the evening, things quieted down as a cold front was moving through. Seen were Spotted salamanders, Jefferson’s salamanders, Wood frogs, Pickerel frog, American toad and Spring peepers. I heard Spring peepers, a chorus frog and the Wood frogs were tuning up. My best guess is that things will come to a grinding halt due to temps in the 30″s and 40″s for the next 7 days or so.
I went to Hinkley, OH tonight and was pleased to hear the Whipps Ledges pond wake up. I hear 2 Spring Peepers calling from different sides of the pond and I could barely hear 2 Wood Frogs tuning up. Interstate 271 was pretty loud and masked some of their vocal range. I was able to get video of some Red Spotted Newts swimming around and a couple breeding. I found it interesting that the males rear legs secured the female vs. the front legs like a frog. A juvenile Bullfrog also made an appearance, and I’m guessing that it over wintered in the pond. Temps went above freezing Friday with a high in the mid 40’s, 50’s Sat and Sunday was mid 60’s. Monday should be in the 50’s, and I’m curious if more Wood Frogs are going to be calling. Good start to the 2013 season!
It finally climbed above 40 degrees today! The temp tomorrow is supposed to be 66 and in the 50’s Monday. So… my best guess is that MAYBE Monday night there might be an early riser hopping around to start off the Spring migration. Temps will be falling into the 40’s the rest of the week with snow predicted and that will bring and end to any migration real fast! I’m getting anxious to get out and do some herping!
Ohio Frog Blog 