Peepers!

Two nights ago, April 12, we heard the peepers for the first time this year.  It is amazing that one night all is silent and the next night the sound of hundreds or thousands of tiny newborn animals fills the air.

The Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is a small frog common throughout the Eastern US and for many of us who live near wetlands, the sound of peepers is another sure sign that spring is coming.  Next to Clam Pudding Pond, we have a small pond that is nearly inaccessible from thick brush that surrounds it.  This tiny pond is home to peepers and, later on, a few bullfrogs.  If you've never heard peepers, click the link by  the picture for a sound sample:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Springpeepers.ogg

Lots of Ducks this year!

We have more ducks in the pond than last year, including at least three pairs of ring-necked ducks like these.  It was in the 60's today and beautiful.  We planted blue pansies in the front window boxes and cilantro, oregano, stevia and a few strawberry plants in the boxes on the back deck.

 

First Daffodils

 

We are getting weather in the 50's now and it is projected to get into the 70's early next week.  We have daffodils starting to bloom and the crocus are all over.  Even the tulip shoots are a couple inches high.  The pond is beautiful and changing as always and I caught this sunrise yesterday.