Every spring . . .
there’s a little parade going through our back yard.
Well, I guess it’s more of a slow march.
In the waning days of May, a couple of very large turtles leave the small pond behind our house and then cut through our land, on their way to spend the summer in a pond across the street.
We’ve lived here for 3 decades now, but each time we witness this event, it’s just as thrilling as it was on the very first occasion. It usually happens rather unexpectedly. One of us will suddenly notice a majestic creature inching his way up from the tall grass.
Some years – including this one – he’s wearing a little coat of duckweed that he picked up on his way out of the water.
Although he doesn’t really seem to mind, I often wish I could give him a light shower – maybe with a watering can – to rid him of his “coat”. I don’t dare do it, though. These turtles prefer that you keep your distance! We stand pretty far away to get photos.
They’re fascinating to watch… so determined. If something scares them, they will just stop and draw up their arms and legs, waiting calmly until they feel comfortable enough to resume the journey.
He’s now about a third of the way to his destination.
I think he’s smiling at us! (Thank heaven for the telephoto lens.)
Finally, he heads out of our yard. It’s at this point that we always hold our breath – he has to cross the street!
We keep watching and are elated when he reaches the other side and disappears into the woods.
Once autumn arrives, he’ll reverse his tracks and come back home again!
Hugs,
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the envelope to leave a comment or to find out what the other “kids” are saying! 😀
Aww, what a great show. We don’t have turtles that live here, but I love seeing the hummingbirds, and goldfinches return. Great photos and thank you for sharing. I would be holding my breath when they cross the street too.
Hubs and I went to Gering, Nebraska for the state Harley rally. We rode to Deadwood, S. Dakota one day and then rode back. Needles highway, Chief Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park are wonderful sites to see.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
Love it. We live near the river. Terry’s family is scattered in a 3 blog square neighborhood here. We had a turtle walk through our yard. Later that day, the same turtle walked through my BIL’s yard, then later still through my SIL’s yard. I would guess he was headed to the rivver, or the county park pond. I call it determination.
GREAT PICS!!
xx, Carol
Hey Sweetie! You are so lucky to have a pond running through your yard, and these adorable little guys to stroll past once in a while! Don’t you just love it when a critter pops by to say “hello”! 😀 It always makes my day. xoxo
Not quite as exciting as a turtle passing through your yard, but we’ve had an Indigo Bunting stop at our feeder the last several years here in Ohio. He stays for a couple of days and then moves on to wherever. Could you hose off that shell!
Hi Sir Beads’ Brother 🙂
I would LOVE to see an Indigo Bunting! Lucky you! xo
Awww, I miss those turtles! It’s a twice-a-year chance to feel like you’re seeing a glimpse of the dinosaurs. I wonder how many have been with us the whole time, and how many are “young’uns.” Glad the crossing looks like it was successful this year! 🙂
Aww, what a cute story. Like you, I so wanted to reach through the computer and pick off that green moss. Turtles don’t know how to “shake”, do they? 😀
I don’t have turtles in my yard. Just the usual. Squirrels, skunk, rabbits, saw a deer once in the backyard.
Question.. what is so appealing on the other side of the road that they make this trek twice a year and have to cross a street?