Vernal Pools Spring to Life

Woodfrog eggs as viewed from the surface of the water.

It's that time of year in the northeast! The snow has receded and the spring rains have come. The slightly warmer temps and the rainfall filtering through the earth awakens the wood frogs. These curious masked amphibians seek out the temporary woodland pools formed by meltwater and rain, the vernal pools.

You should be out searching for vernal pools too. If you are quiet, you may come across one filled with woodfrogs. These frogs have a comical song that sounds like ducks quarreling. They will stop singing if they detect your presence, but if you stay still long enough, they may begin again.

A Vernal Pool

The males are the ones doing all the singing. They sing to define their territories and attract mates. The egg laying takes place in the vernal pools where the eggs will be safe from fish. You may see large rafts of eggs floating just beneath the surface. Often the woodfrogs will lay the eggs all in the same area, sometimes around submerged branches.

If you find woodfrog eggs, return every few days to keep track of their development. If there are vernal pools in your area you are in for a full spring of nature study.