This turtle climbed out of the water in hopes of catching some sun in between the clouds.
Turtle Waiting for Sun
Picture of the Day for June 11, 2019
On the news today, there was a warning about turtles crossing the road to get to their nesting sites because roadway mortality is a major factor in their decline. Their “hide in their shell and wait it out” strategy which has helped them since before the time of dinosaurs doesn’t work so well with fast moving cars and trucks so keep an eye out for the the turtles sharing the road.
Troubled Turtle Times
Picture of the Day for May 5, 2016
If the sun peeks out later today, logs might be filled with turtles sunning themselves on a warm spring day.
Enjoying the Sun
Picture of the Day for December 27, 2014
“On the Second day of Christmas my true love sent to me Two Turtle Doves”, which might be a little hard since turtle doves aren’t native to North America and even two turtles would be hard to find since they are hibernating on a wintry day.
Two Turtle Loves
Picture of the Day for May 28, 2014
On a warm, sunny afternoon, one might spot turtles basking on logs, stumps or on the backs of other turtles. The painted turtle has existed for 15 million years and can even survive the cold, harsh Wisconsin winters by hibernating in the muddy bottoms of waterways.
Basking helps regulate the body temperature of this cold-blooded reptile which needs an internal body temperature between 63 and 73°F to be active. The turtle starts its day at sunrise, emerging from the water to bask for several hours which helps rid them of parasitic leeches and warm the body temperature. Once warmed for activity, the turtle returns to the water to forage. Then the day is spent both basking and foraging. At night, the turtle drops to the bottom of its water body or perches on an underwater object and sleeps.
Painted Turtles
