The Daily Bucket is a place where we post and exchange our observations about what is happening in the natural world in our neighborhood. Birds, blooms, bugs & more - each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
Labor Day Weekend 2012
Just a short diary today without too many pictures since I am running short on my data plan this last day of the cycle.
These are some of my favorite turtle pictures. This first was taken a few weeks ago in SW Virginia. It was going as fast as any turtle I ever saw as it crossed the gravel road. Sure did not want me to bother it and didn't even tuck in as they usually do when bothered.
The rest of these are from a lucky day in May several years ago in the state forest outside of Tallahassee.
Another turtle in a hurry so I just took this quick photo and moved on. I was curious about the shell flaking off. Old age?
This mama always impressed me - busted open in the side but still laying eggs.
A most impressive alligator snapping turtle. You can judge by the length of the brambles that she easily has a 3 foot carapace. I walked right past it, didn't see it until my friend behind me stopped and pointed it out.
I read later that the females only came out of the water once a year to lay their eggs. Her head is facing the pond and her tail is towards the trail. The embankment was around 8 feet down to water. Bad news is the forest service later "improved" the area, rebuilt a bridge, drained the pond and put stone and gravel on the bank.
Closeup of head which was as big as my hand. Those eyes, man those eyes, ancient....
That's it for me on this hot humid day in the South. Sure would hate to be flooded out and homeless like the folks west of here. Darn devasting storm for being just a category 1. Guess Isaac has moved up into the midwest now so at least it can do some good with its rain. Any reports from up there? Any good news or odd sightings in your neck of the woods? How about the biggest or best turtle you ever saw?