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You hear them here, there and everywhere. When spring peepers are calling, the
sound seems to come from all around. Most likely these little frogs are perched
nearby on grasses, sedges and bushes near ponds, in roadside ditches, or just
low, wet areas of your yard or garden.
Due to their small size (no bigger than
a nickel), camouflage coloring, and the fact that they're mainly active at night,
most people have heard, but never seen a peeper.
The best way to actually find
one is to go outside with a friend and flashlight in the early evening. Walk
about 10 to 20 feet apart and slowly approach an area where you hear the frogs
calling. Between the two of you, you'll be able to triangulate the sounds and
home in on a single frog.
Even if you're very quiet—which you should be—it's
likely the peeper will hush up when you get close. Just stand very still and in a
few moments, he (only male peepers call) will start up again. This may happen a
few times during your approach.
When you reach the tall grass, switch on your
flashlight and shine it along the base of the stems. Look for a frog about an
inch long. Depending on your region of the country and the outside air
temperature that night, the peeper will be brown to tan to yellow in color. All,
however, have a dark cross-like marking on their backs.
That dark cross and
diminutive size is sure signs you're peeping at a peeper.
