Thousands Of Singing Spring Peepers Are A Welcome Sound Of A New Season Here In Iowa

When it comes to welcoming spring in Iowa, some things are just certainties. Our "fool's spring" will be broken by a random snowstorm, we'll be surprised by early mosquitos, and a chorus of critters will begin to sing throughout the Hawkeye State. Much like the rest of the Midwest, you might be wondering if there are spring peepers in Iowa, and the answer to that is a resounding yes. The spring peepers sound is such a cheerful reminder of the warm weather to come. If you've ever wondered 'what are peepers?" let's learn more about this Iowa state frog.

As the snow begins to melt and the wildflowers start to bloom, spring in Iowa brings a sense of renewal and hope.

Our wetlands, marshes, and woodlands come alive each year in April, when the weather begins to warm up for good.

One sign of spring that we're all starting to hear is the call of the tiny but mighty spring peeper! These chorus frogs are a welcome sign of the season.

Male spring peepers begin calling for their mates as soon as the snow begins to melt. They're the first of the so-called chorus frogs to come out and sing loudly for all of us in the Hawkeye State each year.

You may be surprised to realize that such a big sound comes from such a little frog. Spring peepers are one of the tiniest species in Iowa, but they sure know how to make an impression.

These itty bitty frogs climb high onto itty bitty branches to make sure their calls reach as far as possible.

It's easiest to hear them around dusk, when they really ramp up the calls from their marshes, swamps, wetlands and woodlands.

Take a walk around the block on the next clear night, and you'll hear these charming amphibians calling to you (ok, well, technically to other frogs) as a welcoming sign of spring in Iowa.

Listen to a lovely live recording of spring peepers in Iowa:

Now that you know all about spring peepers in Iowa, tell us all about your favorite sign of spring in the state! Let's talk about it in the comments, or in our Iowa Nature Lovers Facebook group.