Frogs and Toads in our Midst

Frogs and toads are most easily found in early spring. As soon as the snow melts and the first rains come down, amphibians emerge and trek to small, temporary pools, known as seasonal, or vernal, pools. They also can be found in stormwater wet ponds and other wetlands.

Seasonal Pools

Seasonal pools are sensitive areas that provide critical habitat for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. These small, productive, and important wetlands are critical for maintaining many species. The quality of the pools is directly related to the surrounding land use—changes to the landscape can cause pools to dry prematurely, fragment the habitat and natural corridor between pools, and introduce contaminants and toxins. And, because pools are smaller bodies of water, they may show problems with water quality before streams and rivers and even drinking water.

A wetland behind homes might be an ideal habitat for amphibians.

Seasonal pool in Little Bennett Regional Park in early March 2009. The clucking of wood frogs could be heard before even arriving at the water's edge. (Photo credit: Rachel Gauza).

Communally-laid wood frog egg masses in a woodland pool in Little Bennett Regional Park. (Photo credit: Jennifer St. John)

Frogs and Toads Videos

Video of tadpoles swimming in vernal pool (AVI, 10Mb)

Photo of a frog calling in a vernal pool.

Video of a frog calling in a vernal pool (AVI, 22Mb)

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Local Frogs and Their Calls

In early spring, especially at dusk, the air near good frog habitat areas is filled with choruses of "love songs" from male frogs advertising their availability. The photo gallery below shows many of the frogs and toads that can be found in Montgomery County. Click on the name of a frog or toad to download an audio file of their call.