The Wetland’s turtles have been up and walking about the paths and woods of the Museum for the past few weeks. What are they doing? Why, laying eggs of course.
There were many reports of turtles out and about during the past few weeks.
So, with all of the turtles climbing out of the water to look for nest sites, please be careful and respectful when you see them while you navigate the paths and trails of the Museum. I know that you will.
Note: The turtles above that Kristin and Sara are observing/photographing, and that I photographed, were headed back to the water after completing their missions, egg laying. If you see a turtle on or beside the path, or one that is obviously laying eggs, please leave it be. These water turtles sometimes walk great distances and cross difficult terrain to find nest sites and if disturbed will abandon their mission, even after digging a hole in which to lay her eggs. This is at a great physical cost to them. I photographed the painted turtle at a distance with a telephoto lens while hiding behind a recycling bin so as not to harass the turtle as it covered up its eggs.
We found “Chip” up on the Catch the Wind trail at 7 AM June 7. She was heading away from the wetland.
Interesting. That makes at least three trips for her this season, the first two during the last week in May!
Thanks,
Update 6/8/11: I just spoke with Ranger Krisitn and she tells me that she actually witnessed “Chip” laying eggs yesterday in Catch the Wind. Has she been laying eggs each hike out of the water, or has she been searching for just the right spot to lay? If so, she picked a very open area, at the base of a mulched tree close to the path. I suppose it’s easier digging into the mulch as compared to the hard clay of most of our landscape here at the Museum.