Photo of a spring peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer). These are one of the first frogs to welcome spring; it’s amazing how such a loud piercing call can come from such a tiny frog. From a distance, some people say that a group of these little frogs calling sounds like sleigh bells; up close they are quite loud, reaching about 90 decibels (about the same as a lawn mower). Peepers are about 1 inch in length, and can be identified by the *X* on their backs; I found this one on a milkweed leaf on the edge of the field. Adjusted sharpness, brightness.