Wood frog in vernal pool near Riley’s Lock in Potomac. Donald Sweig
Potomac — One of the sure signs of Spring is hearing the duck-like calls of numerous Wood Frogs from a little puddle or vernal pool. On a recent Saturday in just such a puddle on the north side of the C&O canal towpath, just past Seneca Creek at Riley’s Lock, folks were stopping to listen to a dozen or more calling and swimming and jumping Wood Frogs. Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are found throughout Maryland and much of the eastern states as far south as Georgia. They often breed in vernal pools, like this one on the canal, as protection from predators, such as fish in larger bodies of water. Listen for them on warm afternoons and evenings. There were also some Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) calling at the puddle at Riley’s, and you can listen for them as well.