The Pseudacris crucifer, or spring peeper is again out in full singing force at the kettle pond at the end of my street. Every year I look forward to this event, and everytime it takes me by surprise. It was no different last night when I heard them sing. Seemingly overnight we switch from the deafening silence of our spinning earth to the enthusiastic awakening of this amphibian chorus.
Another much more silent but radiantly colorful creature has made it onto the Cape. The first ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) made it to the peninsula. The feeder is coming out tonight. I wonder if they migrate over land solely, or if they cut corners to make it here – getting across the sound is a quick puddle jump for most fowl, but this tiniest of creatures may be reluctant or unable to do the same.
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