I went looking for turtles laying their eggs during our few nice days days in May, since they usually lay their eggs in May. I was very disappointed when I did not see any, thinking that I had missed them this year.
But, they are late this year, but very plentiful. I saw a dozen yesterday and quite a few today. This gentle giant was laying her eggs beside a parking lot in the middle of town.
She is an older lady by the look of the damage on the back of her shell. Her one eye was tearing, but she could have been crying because she was getting so much attention during what should have been a private event. (There was a steady stream of cars and pedestrians going by, as well as me with my camera!)
But, for all of that, she still looked quite healthy. I hope to see her again next year!
@annied@summerfield
There are a ton of turtles in this area - most of them Snapping Turtles. The conservation folks say that they always lay their eggs in the gravel along the side of the road. Most babies seem to head for water as soon as they hatch and seem to make it.
@paul10 There was a ditch right beside her so I was able to get to her level by going in the ditch. Worked out well except that I was facing into the setting sun.
@casablanca@30pics4jackiesdiamond
There are a ton of turtles in this area - most of them Snapping Turtles. There are a couple of days every year when you really have to be careful driving because they are all over the roads, Once I stopped my school bus with the flashing red light until she crossed a busy road - lol!
Great portrait of her too
There are a ton of turtles in this area - most of them Snapping Turtles. The conservation folks say that they always lay their eggs in the gravel along the side of the road. Most babies seem to head for water as soon as they hatch and seem to make it.
There are a ton of turtles in this area - most of them Snapping Turtles. There are a couple of days every year when you really have to be careful driving because they are all over the roads, Once I stopped my school bus with the flashing red light until she crossed a busy road - lol!
I didn't want to disturb her too much so I used my small telephoto lens for this shot. Lots of grass in front of her though!