Winter is on its way out in most parts of the state, and little by little, we know that spring is coming. It might not be consistently warm yet and we might still be seeing a snow shower here and there, but the trees are sprouting buds and flowers are beginning to emerge from the soil. In short, warmer and happier days can’t be far away now. As we look for the little things that prove spring is here, keep an eye out for the unmistakable song of these creatures; it’s time for spring peepers to come out in New Hampshire, and they’re a welcome sign of coming change.
Found throughout the eastern portion of the United States, the spring peeper (or, “Pseudacris crucifer” more officially) is the singing noise you might already be hearing each night in parts of the state. If you’ve yet to hear it, be patient. It’s coming!
Mark Bonica / Flickr
Spring peepers are tiny! In fact, they’re the smallest frog found in New Hampshire. But that song is mighty! And there’s likely to be quite a few frogs near you. They lay as many as 1,000 eggs at a time.
Bob / Flickr
These eggs become tadpoles for about 2 to 3 months before becoming the melodic frogs we hear each spring.
ShortBus at English Wikipedia / Public domain
They’re considered woodland creatures where they can be found near ponds, streams, or swamps particularly on the ground near leaves. This allows them to blend in and stay safe.
Timothy Jarrett / Flickr
Quite a few frogs exist here in New Hampshire, so how can you tell it’s a peeper? First, there’s the unmistakable high-pitched call.
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
Each frog has a vocal sac that expands and deflates like a balloon. And, while it might sound like all frogs are singing, only males can make this sound. They sing when trying to attract a mate.
Justin Meissen / Flickr
Spring Peepers also look different from other species of frogs. Look on their backs and you’ll see an X-shaped mark making them impossible to miss.
Judy Gallagher / Flickr
Females are lighter-colored, while males have a darker throat.
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
But, while you’ll be able to identify them you probably won’t have the chance. These animals are nocturnal, which means they’ll only be up at night to find food in the form of beetles, ants, flies, and spiders.
pat_ossa / Flickr Though you may not be able to see them, you’ll certainly recognize that song! After dark, try sitting outside or even near a window and listen for the sign that spring is here!
Do spring peepers come out in New Hampshire? They sure do, and now you know when to expect them! To learn more about spring peepers in New Hampshire, check out the state’s wildlife website.
Mark Bonica / Flickr
Bob / Flickr
ShortBus at English Wikipedia / Public domain
Timothy Jarrett / Flickr
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
Justin Meissen / Flickr
Judy Gallagher / Flickr
pat_ossa / Flickr
Though you may not be able to see them, you’ll certainly recognize that song! After dark, try sitting outside or even near a window and listen for the sign that spring is here!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out in New Hampshire? March 10, 2022 Tori Jane What is spring like in New Hampshire? New Hampshire might have some pretty rough winters, which just means we enjoy spring that much more. While winter around here is often brutally cold and very, very snowy, spring heralds a time where the snow finally begins to disappear and wind and ice is replaced with rain, though temperatures during springtime in New Hampshire do tend to stay on the chilly side. Spring also brings the rainy/stormy season, and occasionally severe weather like large hail and even tornadoes (about two a year) can occur. For the most part, though, spring in New Hampshire is outrageously pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around the 60 to 70-degree mark. The nights are still fairly cold, with average temperatures in the 40s. During the day, wildflowers begin to spread and birds begin returning from their warm winter destinations. Spring in New Hampshire is a truly wonderful time, and everyone ought to experience it at some point in their lives. What are some of the best things about spring in New Hampshire? Spring in New Hampshire is simply the best (outside of summer, of course… okay, fall is pretty awesome, too), and we celebrate this amazing time of year every year by emerging from our homes and enjoying the great outdoors. First of all, springtime is maple season, and there is much maple deliciousness to be harvested and enjoyed almost everywhere right about now. Hiking trails and campgrounds previously closed for the winter start opening up, and folks start hitting the trails to forget winter and bring in the new, warm season with glee. Many of New Hampshire’s amazing waterfalls thaw out as well, and with the snowmelt adding to the water levels in rivers, streams, and lakes, many of the falls swell and become much larger than normal, making spring the best time of year for waterfall chasing in New Hampshire. Admire the spread of wildflowers and attend various spring festivals in small towns; for more inspiration, check out this list of places in New Hampshire you need to visit this spring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out in New Hampshire?
March 10, 2022
Tori Jane
What is spring like in New Hampshire? New Hampshire might have some pretty rough winters, which just means we enjoy spring that much more. While winter around here is often brutally cold and very, very snowy, spring heralds a time where the snow finally begins to disappear and wind and ice is replaced with rain, though temperatures during springtime in New Hampshire do tend to stay on the chilly side. Spring also brings the rainy/stormy season, and occasionally severe weather like large hail and even tornadoes (about two a year) can occur. For the most part, though, spring in New Hampshire is outrageously pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around the 60 to 70-degree mark. The nights are still fairly cold, with average temperatures in the 40s. During the day, wildflowers begin to spread and birds begin returning from their warm winter destinations. Spring in New Hampshire is a truly wonderful time, and everyone ought to experience it at some point in their lives. What are some of the best things about spring in New Hampshire? Spring in New Hampshire is simply the best (outside of summer, of course… okay, fall is pretty awesome, too), and we celebrate this amazing time of year every year by emerging from our homes and enjoying the great outdoors. First of all, springtime is maple season, and there is much maple deliciousness to be harvested and enjoyed almost everywhere right about now. Hiking trails and campgrounds previously closed for the winter start opening up, and folks start hitting the trails to forget winter and bring in the new, warm season with glee. Many of New Hampshire’s amazing waterfalls thaw out as well, and with the snowmelt adding to the water levels in rivers, streams, and lakes, many of the falls swell and become much larger than normal, making spring the best time of year for waterfall chasing in New Hampshire. Admire the spread of wildflowers and attend various spring festivals in small towns; for more inspiration, check out this list of places in New Hampshire you need to visit this spring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Hampshire might have some pretty rough winters, which just means we enjoy spring that much more. While winter around here is often brutally cold and very, very snowy, spring heralds a time where the snow finally begins to disappear and wind and ice is replaced with rain, though temperatures during springtime in New Hampshire do tend to stay on the chilly side. Spring also brings the rainy/stormy season, and occasionally severe weather like large hail and even tornadoes (about two a year) can occur. For the most part, though, spring in New Hampshire is outrageously pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around the 60 to 70-degree mark. The nights are still fairly cold, with average temperatures in the 40s. During the day, wildflowers begin to spread and birds begin returning from their warm winter destinations. Spring in New Hampshire is a truly wonderful time, and everyone ought to experience it at some point in their lives.
What are some of the best things about spring in New Hampshire?
Spring in New Hampshire is simply the best (outside of summer, of course… okay, fall is pretty awesome, too), and we celebrate this amazing time of year every year by emerging from our homes and enjoying the great outdoors. First of all, springtime is maple season, and there is much maple deliciousness to be harvested and enjoyed almost everywhere right about now. Hiking trails and campgrounds previously closed for the winter start opening up, and folks start hitting the trails to forget winter and bring in the new, warm season with glee. Many of New Hampshire’s amazing waterfalls thaw out as well, and with the snowmelt adding to the water levels in rivers, streams, and lakes, many of the falls swell and become much larger than normal, making spring the best time of year for waterfall chasing in New Hampshire. Admire the spread of wildflowers and attend various spring festivals in small towns; for more inspiration, check out this list of places in New Hampshire you need to visit this spring.
