Many people may be asking themselves right about now “do spring peepers come out in Virginia?” Well the answer is a resounding “yes!” If you haven’t already heard the chorus of the tiny spring peeper yet, it’s only a matter of time. These impressive amphibians are known for their loud “singing,” which is one of the sign of springtime here in Virginia. Despite what else may be going on in the world, these lovable creatures are a welcome sign of normalcy. Here’s a bit of background information on the spring peeper, which might be making an appearance in your own backyard sometime soon!
The peaceful song of the spring peeper is one of the earliest signs of the arrival of springtime in the United States.
Judy Gallagher / flickr
There are two subspecies of the spring peeper, also known as the Pseudacris crucifer: the southern spring pepper, which lives along the southern Gulf Coast, and the northern spring peeper, which is found all over the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.
Well Tea / Wikipedia
The tiny frogs are incredibly well-hidden due to their camouflage coloring. If you’re lucky enough to get close to a spring peeper, you’ll recognize the telltale marking of a light brown cross on their backs.
Judy Gallagher / flickr
Perhaps the most impressive characteristic is their music-making abilities. Each male frog comes equipped with a vocal sac that can expand like a balloon to produce their beautiful and distinct peeping sound.
Elizabeth Nicodemus / flickr
After mating and laying their eggs in ponds and other bodies of water, the frogs will spend the rest of the year hibernating in the woods.
USGS / Wikipedia
The following year, the next generation will hatch and begin their lives as tadpoles, eventually developing into fully-formed frogs.
ShortBus / Wikipedia
Yet even as adults, the frogs are only one inch long! Isn’t it incredible how such a small creature can produce a magnificent sound?
Jimmy Butler / Wikipedia
Have you noticed any spring peepers around Virginia lately? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience so far! If you’re not certain what these little frogs sound like, you can hear an example by clicking here.
Judy Gallagher / flickr
Well Tea / Wikipedia
Elizabeth Nicodemus / flickr
USGS / Wikipedia
ShortBus / Wikipedia
Jimmy Butler / Wikipedia
The spring peeper isn’t the only creature to make its presence known this time of year; check out the migration of the migrations of the ruby-throated hummingbird and the monarch butterfly!
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Address: Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out In Virginia? March 09, 2022 Sara Dager Are there any other telltale signs of spring in Virginia? Along with the songs of spring peepers, you can also keep your ears perked for the sound of birds returning from their trips South, and the buzzing of various pollinators coming to make sure that the states flowers look their best. Plants like daffodils and skunk cabbage will start to emerge as spring creeps nearer as well, which is a sign of all the natural beauty sure to come. What are the best short hikes to take in Virginia? There are over TWO THOUSAND hiking trails in the state of Virginia, making it an absolute haven for hikers of all levels of ability. Trails range wildly in distance and difficulty so it’s important to do your research before lacing up your boots and heading out, If you are looking for a short hike that’s doable for even the beginners in your group, we recommend the 1 mile Jones Cliff loop trail in Richard P. Gravely Nature Preserve. You’ll want to take this hike through the wetlands slowly as you may be able to spot some impressive wildlife. Take a look at this list for more easy hikes in Virginia. Does Virginia have any natural wonders to visit? Virginia is absolutely packed with breathtaking natural wonders! The whole state is so gorgeous it is almost hard to believe, and there are wonders of all kinds - from caves to waterfalls and stone bridges - just waiting to be explored. In Shenandoah Valley you can find a massive limestone arch called the Natural Bridge that is actually on the National Registry of Historic Places. Or if water in more your vibe, you can visit Mountain Lake, which seems to drain and fill completely at random! This article covers a bunch more of the natural wonders of Virginia that you can visit.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out In Virginia?
March 09, 2022
Sara Dager
Are there any other telltale signs of spring in Virginia? Along with the songs of spring peepers, you can also keep your ears perked for the sound of birds returning from their trips South, and the buzzing of various pollinators coming to make sure that the states flowers look their best. Plants like daffodils and skunk cabbage will start to emerge as spring creeps nearer as well, which is a sign of all the natural beauty sure to come. What are the best short hikes to take in Virginia? There are over TWO THOUSAND hiking trails in the state of Virginia, making it an absolute haven for hikers of all levels of ability. Trails range wildly in distance and difficulty so it’s important to do your research before lacing up your boots and heading out, If you are looking for a short hike that’s doable for even the beginners in your group, we recommend the 1 mile Jones Cliff loop trail in Richard P. Gravely Nature Preserve. You’ll want to take this hike through the wetlands slowly as you may be able to spot some impressive wildlife. Take a look at this list for more easy hikes in Virginia. Does Virginia have any natural wonders to visit? Virginia is absolutely packed with breathtaking natural wonders! The whole state is so gorgeous it is almost hard to believe, and there are wonders of all kinds - from caves to waterfalls and stone bridges - just waiting to be explored. In Shenandoah Valley you can find a massive limestone arch called the Natural Bridge that is actually on the National Registry of Historic Places. Or if water in more your vibe, you can visit Mountain Lake, which seems to drain and fill completely at random! This article covers a bunch more of the natural wonders of Virginia that you can visit.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Along with the songs of spring peepers, you can also keep your ears perked for the sound of birds returning from their trips South, and the buzzing of various pollinators coming to make sure that the states flowers look their best. Plants like daffodils and skunk cabbage will start to emerge as spring creeps nearer as well, which is a sign of all the natural beauty sure to come.
What are the best short hikes to take in Virginia?
There are over TWO THOUSAND hiking trails in the state of Virginia, making it an absolute haven for hikers of all levels of ability. Trails range wildly in distance and difficulty so it’s important to do your research before lacing up your boots and heading out, If you are looking for a short hike that’s doable for even the beginners in your group, we recommend the 1 mile Jones Cliff loop trail in Richard P. Gravely Nature Preserve. You’ll want to take this hike through the wetlands slowly as you may be able to spot some impressive wildlife. Take a look at this list for more easy hikes in Virginia.
Does Virginia have any natural wonders to visit?
Virginia is absolutely packed with breathtaking natural wonders! The whole state is so gorgeous it is almost hard to believe, and there are wonders of all kinds - from caves to waterfalls and stone bridges - just waiting to be explored. In Shenandoah Valley you can find a massive limestone arch called the Natural Bridge that is actually on the National Registry of Historic Places. Or if water in more your vibe, you can visit Mountain Lake, which seems to drain and fill completely at random! This article covers a bunch more of the natural wonders of Virginia that you can visit.
