And this Spring Peeper can’t let go either as it clings to the side of my garden shed. The nights are getting chilly and the days not as warm, so I know it’s over (frog season that is) but I can’t let go.
Look at those feet. Spring Peepers-Pseudacris crucifer ( they have that cross on their backs) are able to climb flat surfaces with little “suction cups” for toes that are incurved and contain liquid, a mucus actually, that gives them a clingy quality. Called Chorus Frogs, they are known for their little symphonies of squeaks on a warm wet spring night. Occasionally we hear them at other times but they certainly do live up to their name. One starts and they all follow in song.
This was shot on August 24th while I was out in the early morning flashing insects on my boneset plant and I happened to see a small dark blob on the door to the shed. As you can see, the paint needs some attention.
Pingback: 10.22.2021 Can’t let go of Frog Fridays — Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog | THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON...
The feet resemble our geckos’ feet. I only see those on the side of buildings now, but when I lived in Liberia I used to read while lying on the couch at night, and marvel at their ability to hang out on the ceiling.
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In reading about these frogs’ feet they were compared to geckos. Different mechanisms with the same result. I’ve not had a gecko hanging above me, nor a peeper, but I have looked up and seen very large spiders coming down on a strand of silk.
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And of all the people here, I thought for sure you’d click on Lucinda. 🙂
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That’s some attractive patterning on this froggy. I wonder if it has inspired any military or hunting camouflage.
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I’d not be surprised. But the majority of camo is drawn from forests and cornfields/cattails.
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Yay frogs, Yay Lucinda Williams! The theme for the (pretty good) cop show “Bosch” is also “I Can’t Let It Go,” and kinda weird but a real ear worm.
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Had not heard of the show or it’s theme. No worm for me. 🙂 I’d rather have Lucinda in my ear.
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The patterns on the back of frogs are often interesting.
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That they are.
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Thank you for the intro to Lucinda Williams, who’s never crossed my path before. Cute frog too!
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Glad you enjoyed her concert performance! And the frog too. 🙂
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Sweet.
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They are delightful little frogs with a surprisingly loud voice.
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Great discovery, Steve! If all the frogs have retired for the long winter season you will always have your huge archive to fall back on.
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I’ve relied on the archive before and run the risk of duplication but I guess that’s not all bad.
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I love these little cuties. I saw one in a bush out front just Wednesday. I’ve been hearing a bit of their spring ‘echo’ calls… always a curious thing out of breeding season. Keeping in practice, I guess! 😉
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Maybe someone got mixed up with the warmth and wetness. But it never hurts to practice either. 🙂
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What a beautiful little frog! I love your description of the ‘little symphonies of squeaks’ – would love to hear that! 🙂
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Here…have a listen. I posted something like this a few years ago on FB but have no idea where it is now.
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Fanatastic! I see, er, hear, how they got their name! My cat Strathy is all ears, and he’s trying to figure out what kind of birdies they are, hehe!
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As so much of nature winds down, it’s nice to be reminded that it winds up again with one of the first signs: spring peepers. The white background and your usual excellent focus do this one justice. Thanks for the link to “Can’t Let Go.” Or maybe not thanks. I loved hearing the song again, but now I will hear it again and again and again in my head (and again and again and again).
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You are welcome for the ear worm, Linda. There are worse for sure. That happens to me often and many times not as enjoyable as Lucinda’s performance.
People complain about Winter but I enjoy the change, although not the deep cold, and Spring seems more wonderful with such a contrast. It is heartening that we see so many frogs when they were on the decline not that long ago.
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Great Frog image Steve! Your Post reminds me of my old pond. I was surprised my neighbor did not complain about the noise the frogs made in the evening. Certain days it was certainly Loud!
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Most everyone around here delights in the Spring Peeper chorus when a warm Spring night rolls around. The singing often lasts for days which we find most enjoyable. Thanks, Reed!
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Are spring peepers usually golden like this one? Beautiful coloring especially with the white paint behind.
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They are this color although can vary. Thanks, Carol!
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This one has a great view of those patterns on the back, and of the feet. How large are these? About the size of a quarter, or smaller or larger?
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In the quarter ballpark. The pattern accounts for the name reference to a cross.
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In the book ‘Animal Speak’ by Ted Andrews he writes … The frog is a totem for metamorphosis. It is a symbol of coming into one’s own creative power. That’s good … right!?! 🙂
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I’d be happy to have the frog as my totem. Sounds good to me. 🙂 Speaking of totems. Here’s one along a roadside that I posted on Facebook a while back. Not sure if you saw it then. You can click the back arrow for closer looks at the various carvings.
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