Green frogs are calling in strong numbers as are the Grey tree frogs. Spring peepers are calling from more isolated areas now and in very small groups and are joined by a sporadic Pickerel frogs. I only hear a solitary Bull frog at this point, but expect them to ramp it up within a week or 2.  There is a slight mound around one edge of the pond obstructing my view, and before I was in full view, the Green frogs were broadcasting their alarm call. As soon as I start wading through, they pretty much stop. They seem to do the call at the approach of danger, not when it is close enough to locate the frogs by sound. I saw the Soft Shelled turtle again and was able to get some good photos as it swam away from me. I estimate it is between 16-18″.  The snapping turtles were laying low this night and grouped together. There were at least 5 in a 6′ area, of course I was in the center by the time I saw them… I don’t think the snapping turtle can bite down hard enough through the chest wader boots to hurt, abut I don’t want to test this theory either. I find the most activity after the sun goes down and use a very bright 600 lumin flashlight to see by. It is far easier to see any activity this way because the flashlight penetrates the water without dealing with any reflection from the sky. The frogs are usually calling strong and only get quiet when I am in close proximity or make waves. I am surprised that I didn’t see very many bat calls on the sonogram. Usually there are more flying overhead with a real strong sound signature, and with all the mosquito and bugs flying around.  Hopefully this isn’t a bad sign…

Snapper with boot for scale. I am actually several inches above the turtle, not next to it, so the scale is misleading.

A good view of the Soft Shelled turtle, uncommon in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

A close view of a male Green frog showing off his bright yellow throat.

Temps have been in the 70s for the past 4 days bringing the Grey tree frogs out in mass! It looks like the American toads favor the warmer temps to because they were calling from several ponds and pools. The Pickerels are winding down, no Chorus or Leopard heard and the Peepers seem to be just starting to decline. In some locations the Green frog has begun to announce their presence, but not in any strong numbers. So far they are doing single plunks and not the characteristic multiple descending plunks.

He creates his distinct trill by passing air back and forth over his vocal chords, vibrating his whole body.