Early bloomer??

I didn't expect to encounter this on the trail this morning, but sure enough, right in the middle of the path was this painted turtle.  I stood and watched it for some time to see what it was going to do.  It eventually moved down the path a short ways, then off into the grass.  I presume it was preparing to dig a hole and lay its eggs.  Although it seems a little early for egg laying, perhaps the warm temperatures have effected it just as plants have been early with their blooming.