Today on the river was Turtle Time! Well, at least that's what I called it. Soaking up the warmth from the sun's rays, turtles lined the left and right banks of the Charles River. They were perched on top of logs and settled upon rocks. They were convened in large groups (like 10) or small groups of two or three. There were adult turtles and baby turtles. Turtles not on the banks, logs or rocks were swimming in their playground showing off their freestyle prowess. We slowly paddled past trying not to disturb their solitude, however it was often to no avail as we would hear...plop! plop! plop! Unwanted visitors sent the turtles scurrying back into the water's safety zone.
Eastern Painted Turtle Facts:
- known for it's yellow and red markings on its head, neck and limbs
- considered cold-blooded (that's why they like to bask in the sun)
- omnivorous feeder (eating plants and animals such as earthworms, insects, tadpoles & more)
- life span 5-10 years in the wild
- the sex of the turtle determined by the temperature in the nest (cooler temps
- Carapace: hard top shell of a turtle
- Scute: the small plates that make up the shell
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| Colored using www.thecolor.com |
The beautiful weather paired with the sitings of so many wonderful creatures made our kayaking day extra special. One might think you would tire seeing so many turtles, but it was quite the contrary. To see them all just 'being' brought smiles to our faces and made me want to write the following:
Painted Turtle on the Riverbed
The painted turtle with yellow and red
Did bask upon the river bed.
Soaking up all the sun’s warming rays
What better way to spend their days?
Spread evenly upon a downed tree
Lined up near one another, one, two, three!
Their peacefulness broken as we paddle by
Jumping into the river as if in reply.
Soon they’re back upon the logs, warm and dry
Poking their heads up at the deep blue sky.
Outstretched are their tiny legs and claws.
Their simple beauty gives one pause.
The sun winds down and day comes to a close
The turtles return home as the evening shows
Hoping to reclaim their spots once again
To soak up God’s goodness whenever they can.
RESOURCES:
Eastern Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle Life Span
Painted Turtle Facts
