Hear Those Peepers? The Little Frog That Calls Out To Us, Saying, 'Spring Is Near' - 27 East
logo logo logo logo

Southampton Press / Community / 1590351

Hear Those Peepers? The Little Frog That Calls Out To Us, Saying, 'Spring Is Near'

icon 3 Photos
The spring peeper (shown here) and wood frog can partially freeze and stop their breathing and heart rate for the winter.

The spring peeper (shown here) and wood frog can partially freeze and stop their breathing and heart rate for the winter.

Spring peepers are calling from their breeding ponds. MIKE BOTTINI

Spring peepers are calling from their breeding ponds. MIKE BOTTINI

Spring Song April 11 -- On Long Island, spring peepers have the distinction of being the only chorus frog around, and they are one of just two species of chorus frog in New York State; the other is found near Buffalo. They are distinguished from other small frogs and toads by a signature “X” marking on their backs. Peepers have a short life cycle—anywhere from two to three years—and in the winter, they go into a torpid-like state, their blood freezing to a slushy consistency, which allows them to lay dormant under leaf litter and other hiding places in the marsh until it is time to emerge, issue their distinctive call and mate.

Spring Song April 11 -- On Long Island, spring peepers have the distinction of being the only chorus frog around, and they are one of just two species of chorus frog in New York State; the other is found near Buffalo. They are distinguished from other small frogs and toads by a signature “X” marking on their backs. Peepers have a short life cycle—anywhere from two to three years—and in the winter, they go into a torpid-like state, their blood freezing to a slushy consistency, which allows them to lay dormant under leaf litter and other hiding places in the marsh until it is time to emerge, issue their distinctive call and mate.

authorCailin Riley on Apr 9, 2019
In some of Karin Strong’s fondest childhood memories, she is covered in mud, stealthily sneaking her way through the muck and mire at the edge of the pond in her... more

You May Also Like:

Still Alive

Now come the shortest days, and we offset the long nights with lights and little candles everywhere. In a show of determination and defiance, decor is how we get through the darkest days merrily. I do not rationalize the need to decorate, and I do not fight the urge. Instead, I consider what is durable and plentiful. If I hang it from a bespoke wire hook, will people grasp the symmetry and austere beauty? Will they flock to my booth at the craft market? We had a bumper garlic crop. And sales were slack. So, going into soup season, we’ve ... 10 Dec 2024 by Marilee Foster

SOFO Donates to Local Food Pantries

The South Fork Natural History Museum has taken on “Giving Back” initiatives this holiday season. ... 9 Dec 2024 by Staff Writer

Concert Will Benefit Maureen's Haven

Joy Jan Jones, a jazz singer who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and nightclubs and theaters throughout New York, will sing jazz songs from the Great American Song Book at the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton, 2 South Main Street in Southampton, on Saturday, December 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. The concert is a benefit performance for Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach. Jones will be accompanied by her band, The Fiancés. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes a reception with Jones and the musicians following the concert. Go to maureenshaven.org or call 631-727-6831 for more information. by Staff Writer

Arts Workshops for Women for Community-Building

Each Sunday in January, the Neo-Political Cowgirls will lead a variety of creative workshops designed to bring multigenerational women together to create art, to create space, and to create community. This year’s theme will be “Journey to a New Horizon” and workshop leaders will take participants on a creative and co-creative journey through the course of the afternoon. Beginning with centering and connection and concluding with reflection, these workshops are designed to utilize the arts as tools to cultivate community. Veronica Mezzina, textile artist and painter, will kick off the month on January 5, followed by Melora Griffis, painter, writer ... by Staff Writer

Elks Collecxting Food for Pantry

Members of the Southamtpon Elks Lodge #1574 will be at Stop & Shop in Southampton on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect nonperishable food items that will be donated to the food pantry. Among the items need are canned goods, pasta, rice (anything that is canned or packaged), personal care items, including toothpaste and soap, plus baby supplies such as formula and diapers. by Staff Writer

Nominations Sought for Westhampton Beach School District's Wall of Fame

The Westhampton Beach School District is now accepting nominations for its Wall of Fame. The wall, which was inaugurated in 2002, aims to memorialize the extraordinary achievements of the Westhampton Beach School District’s alumni, former faculty and staff. The Wall of Fame is a permanent fixture in the district’s auditorium and honors inductees with individual plaques that commemorate their achievements. To date, 30 individuals have been honored. The district is seeking nominations of individuals who have made significant strides in academics, business, community service, fine arts and public service. Nomination forms can be accessed on the district’s website and submitted ... by Staff Writer

Polar Bear Plunge at Coopers Set for December 14

The annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Heart of the Hamptons is set for Saturday, December 14, at 9:30 a.m. For this event, hundreds brave the winter cold to take a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean at Coopers Beach in Southampton. All plungers will receive a Polar Bear Plunge knit hat. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a child in need this holiday season. Some participants come in festive attire for a chance to win the costume contest. Hot refreshments will be provided after the plunge by the Golden Pear, Shippy’s, 7-Eleven and local chef ... by Staff Writer

Auction Will Benefit Hamptons Outreach Program at Reservation

A fundraiser to benefit the Hamptons Community Outreach’s Home Repair Program on the Shinnecock Reservation will be held on Friday, December 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. In addition to a silent auction, there will be live performances and guest speakers. Entry for the silent auction viewing starts at 5 p.m. No tickets are needed. Just show up. by Staff Writer

Holiday Shopping at Merry Madoo

The Madoo Conservancy will be open for its 12th annual Merry Madoo holiday fair in the garden on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors with holiday gifts are participating, plus the Madoo shop will have a booth open offering Sneeboer garden tools, Madoo pottery and other garden gifts. Madoo-made gifts such as clove-studded Lady Apple pomanders, fresh-cut greens from the garden, and top-size (Madoo-grown) paperwhites are available at the Madoo booth as well. Roasted chestnuts, vin chaude and mulled cider are on the menu. Among the vendors are Figaro Apothecary, Gretchen Comly, Hoare & Hoare Antiques, ... by Staff Writer

The Cobra Connections

The major World War II event we take notice of every December is Pearl Harbor. But this month also sees the 80th anniversary of another significant event in World War II: On December 18, 1944, Typhoon Cobra almost destroyed the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific Ocean. Remarkably, what happened thousands of miles away in the southwest Pacific has several personal and local connections. One personal connection is that Jim Clavin, my father’s older brother, was on one of those ships. I don’t recall him ever talking about it, and it was years after his death when I first learned of ... by Tom Clavin