Spring in Massachusetts brings a loud chorus of peeps. Tiny frogs called spring peepers are calling from wetlands. It’s all about love—male peepers are hoping to attract females.

But there’s more to these frogs than their sounds. They can tolerate cold weather and can freeze nearly solid in winter. They can also change color, switching to different shades of brown and tan. And they’re adept climbers, helped by sticky pads on their feet. Enjoy these five peeper portraits from past editions of our Photo Contest and learn more about frogs in Massachusetts.

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Mary Martin

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Suzanne Niles

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Jana Trusz

2015 Photo Contest Entry © Ashley Gibbs

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Christina Andersen

The winter landscape may not offer the widest spectrum of colors, so seeing a jewel-tone wood duck is always a welcome sight. Some of these birds have hung around in Massachusetts all winter, and others are just now returning to the state from warmer places.

Unlike most of our waterfowl, the aptly named wood duck nests in tree cavities. After the ducklings hatch, the hen coaxes them into leaping down to the ground, where they will follow her as they learn to forage and fend for themselves. Feast your eyes on these five photos of wood ducks from past editions of our Photo Contest and learn more about their history in the state with our Breeding Bird Atlas 2.

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Barye Hall

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Evan Lipton

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Larry Warfield

2011 Photo Contest Entry © David Luppold

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Ron Bedney