The Symphony of Spring

It begins as a solo and within a matter of minutes it becomes a full-blown symphony. There's not an instrument to be seen yet the music crescendos to a deafening pitch. Frankly, at the height of their performance, it's almost impossible to turn a deaf ear to their music as it penetrates walls and windows. The musicians in this orchestral masterpiece could care less if you're listening though.

It's the anticipation of this symphonic delight that keeps me sane during our long, cold and dreary, winter weather. In fact, I've started telling friends about the opening night gala I'm planning. The biggest problem I'm having is nailing down the date. I'm certainly hopeful it's sooner than later but I can't throw this party without the musicians, who go by the professional name of Pseudacris Crucifer. Their common name is Spring Peeper. It's tough to say with Maine winter when the ice will be gone from the pond and the creatures start to emerge.

Late in the afternoon the daily performance starts with one high-pitched call. Then another joins in. Now add a little bass provided by the bull frogs in the pond and percussion compliments of the quacking ducks and woodpeckers in the nearby trees and you have your full-blown symphony of spring.

You can call it the entertainment of nature lovers and old farts!
http://www.naturewatch.ca/databases/frogs/audio/pseudacris_crucifer.wav


By Susan Patten

Photo compliments of NatureWatch.