Observers note that the western tree frogs are singing earlier then usual this year, perhaps taking advantage of a break in the drought.
Observation: In mid January the Western tree frogs / chorus frogs have been singing (ribbit). This seems a little bit early but not unheard of. They usually emerge in early to mid- February but breed just about anytime during the rainy season. The past few years California has been in a historic drought but this winter 2015-2016 has had normal rainfall.
LEO comments: For information see: Wikipedia, "The Northern Pacific tree frog, also known as the Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacric regilla), ranges from Baja California and Mexico, north to British Columbia, Canada and on up to Revillagigedo Island in southeastern of Alaska, which is a part of the Alexander Archipelago. The species can occur from sea level to approximately 10,000 feet above sea level. The frogs begins mating in early winter to early spring. Since these frogs are so widespread geographically, their breeding season is thought to be determined by local conditions.They produce several call types. These include the males' advertisement call, commonly described as “ribbit” or “crek - ek”, as well as an encounter trill call. The cre - ek call can be quite loud and can thus be heard from very far away. Males also produce a “dry land call”, a long cre - ee - ee - eeek, that can be heard anytime in the year except during the coldest and driest periods. Pacific tree frogs are the most commonly heard frogs along much of the West Coast of the United States."
Media:
To view and listen check out, 'Sounds of Spring: Pacific Tree Frogs in Southwestern Oregon YouTube video.
Molecular Diversity Preservation International – Direct and Indirect Effects of Climate Change on Amphibian Populations "As part of an overall decline in biodiversity, populations of many organisms are declining and species are being lost at unprecedented rates around the world. This includes many populations and species of amphibians. Although numerous factors are affecting amphibian populations, we show potential direct and indirect effects of climate change on amphibians at the individual, population and community level." By Andrew R. Blaustein, et all. (Source: Diversity 2010, 2, 281-313; doi:10.3390/d2020281)
Observations From Members 