I wish I had more opportunities to photograph turtles. I do have several images from over the years, but lately don’t see as many as I once did. As I was leaving Moosehorn Pond the other day, I noticed two painted turtles on a floating log. I pulled over and from a good distance made a few images of the one that had not dropped into the water when I got out of the car.
This is large crop, even with the 100-400 and extender, and would probably not make a good print. And that waterlily is disappointing. But I was happy to get a shot of my first turtle of the season. We’re on the shady side of the Eastern Painted Turtle-Chrysemys picta so a bit of dodging was required to see more of the markings.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I love the apparent expressions on their faces: They always seem to be evaluating the world around them and finding it rather disappointing. Not all that far off the usual present-day norm.
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Makes me think of the folks who assess fine wines…’Mmm, not a bad vintage!’ (Except that he may be thinking something less positive?)
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At least he didn’t spit it out. 🙂 I went to a few wine tastings and just couldn’t bring myself to do that…unless it was pretty bad but that only happened once. 🙂
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Yep, it would have to be unpleasant for me to spit it out…hehe!
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If they are aware of today’s world I’d think disappointed and confused. How could a creature despoil its home as we do? Be like the turtle. 🙂
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It’s good you didn’t dodge your processing responsibilities.
I hear more plunks than I see turtles.
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I hear those plunks also.Although I do see most of them before they drop but not for very long.
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And lovely markings they are, too. I haven’t been seeing them this year, either.
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They generally come out once the sun is strong and, of course, I go home when the sun is strong. There may be a correlation there. 🙂
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lol you have a point there. I’ve been avoiding the sun too.
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Rather dignified critter, I must say. I’m glad you stopped to get the photo. Handsome.
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Thanks. I am rather fond of turtles though don’t really stress photographing them like I do frogs.
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Please don’t tell that to a turtle.
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Mum’s the word.
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Very nice Steve! They are fun to photograph!
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They are when I get the chance. I see more of them laying eggs than sunning themselves.
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I think it is wonderful – not all backgrounds have to be perfect, ya know! I kind of like the waterlily as it is – a suggestion to explore. 🙂
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Thanks, Eliza. I guess maybe I am too fussy. 🙂
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What I especially like is that you captured those outstretched feet, ready to catch some extra, warming rays. As for those outstretched heads and necks, they always remind me of Jeeves.
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For whatever reason, seemingly known only by turtles, many painteds do stretch their feet out that way. Yes, Jeeves. Wodehouse created a generic name for butlers everywhere. Stiff upper crust and turtlish.
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Actually, we know why they bask with their feet stretched out. There’s a nice, short presentation here.
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Great. That makes a lot of sense along with being scientifically understandable. I wonder if she could explain this behavior. I understand the one leaving…turtles must have serious halitosis. 🙂
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