Feeling good

I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see a painted turtle basking in the sun. I don't think I have seen a turtle since egg-laying season back in June. Of course the lack of much sun in the meantime may have had something to do with it.

Turtle troubles

I had nearly finished the circuit this morning when I saw a number of students from the junior high who were out on a scavenger hunt. One of the girls was looking at something alongside the trail, which seemed to be one of the items on their list. After she moved on, this is what I saw - one of the painted turtle nests that had been raided by something. Although I've seen many of these looted nests this is the first time I've seen one with an egg still intact. This raiding of the turtle nests hasn't seemed to have put much of a dent in the turtle population at the marsh.

Enjoying the sun's warmth

This painted turtle was sunning itself on the edge of the little pool below the sewage lagoon this morning. I was able to get quite close without disturbing it. Apparently turtles can see and smell very well, but their hearing is less well developed. They rely more on vibrations than sound.