BasinFroggin'

It's been a very strange year for anurans thus far in the Atchafalaya Basin. Not much rainfall, and with slightly colder temperatures on an overall average in February (-0.5 degrees from the normal), one would suspect a potential mundane frog season. As it was, the Winter breeders were late in tuning up this year. However, early March gave way to much warmer temperatures and as a result, some of the early Spring breeders were ready to announce their availability. Cope's gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysosceles), were heard on several of our stops in Butte La Rose. One of the strangest notations of all, was not one, but two separate calling squirrel treefrogs (H. squirella). The first individual was actually heard here at the National Wetlands Research Center 16 March and the second that night on the north side of I-10 at Butte La Rose. Perhaps even more outstanding was a code 3 (full chorus) of green treefrogs, (H. cinerea) at one of our stops! This seems quite early for this species to be in full chorus. It was truly a memorable experience to hear both Winter and Spring breeders singing together. Northern cricket frogs (Acris crepitans), green treefrogs and Upland chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) all at the same time!

The suddenly plummeting temperatures and rain in the following week encouraged us to conduct two more last minute frog call surveys for late Winter breeders. The weather was actually warmer on Monday (20 March) night, with an overcast sky and drizzle-rain. The following night (21 March) was crisp and clear. As to be expected, no Spring breeders were recorded Tuesday night.

I certainly enjoy the Winter songs of Upland chorus frogs and Spring peepers, P. crucifer, but I am definitely looking forward more to the Spring and Summer breeders and temperatures.

James