Noisy frogs/crickets/cicadas in North Carolina

[QChickieMama]

How can I find out what is making the all-day-all-night noises in the water trenches near my garden? We have a creek on the property and a boggy area, and as soon as the snow melted, the creatures returned with their loud singing. I'd love to research to find out if it's a type of frog, what kind, how can I catch them to see them, etc., but I don't know where to begin.

When I walk down to the garden, I can stare at the standing water and hear their loud noise, but I see no movement at all. And sometimes, when I approach the water, the noise stops and resumes as soon as I move away.

Ideas?

 

[justplainbatty]

How can I find out what is making the all-day-all-night noises in the water trenches near my garden? We have a creek on the property and a boggy area, and as soon as the snow melted, the creatures returned with their loud singing. I'd love to research to find out if it's a type of frog, what kind, how can I catch them to see them, etc., but I don't know where to begin.

When I walk down to the garden, I can stare at the standing water and hear their loud noise, but I see no movement at all. And sometimes, when I approach the water, the noise stops and resumes as soon as I move away.

Ideas?

I would say frogs. Cicadas live in trees and make noise throughout the day and night according to heat. They are quite loud and more in sync than crickets, starting out with a quiet buzz that rises to a crescendo and falls again. Crickets chirp mainly in the evening and more than one type of cricket chirp at a time can be heard if you listen closely. You may also have two or three different kinds of frog singing going on. Try stepping on the vegetation that hangs just over the edge of the water and see if yo don't eventually see a frog zip out to get away! With careful study over a season or two, you will know almost every sound made on your slice, even the popping of seeds(basic expl) from a pine tree! If you live where it snows, in the winter, you can even hear the voles running through tunnels underneath. Happy learning!

 

[QChickieMama]

I think you're right. They sound like frogs to me. I'll try disturbing the grass to see if I can see them move. Our dogs were in the trenches today, trying to eat whatever creatures were there, and they came inside smelling like fish. Yikes!

 

[Life is Good!]

Spring peepers? That's the first one to sing around here in IL.

Here's a great website with sounds and photos for NC. Most states have their own websites, so google it!

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/anurans/anurans.html

Good luck in your search. The sounds you're hearing are definite sounds of spring! Yeah! Glad to know it's happening somewhere (we've still got snow here).

 

[Sfraker]

I'm in NC near Charlotte. I have been hearing the spring peepers (frogs) for a little while now. When you drive down the country roads you will hear them everytime you pass water puddles by the side of the road.