Three freshwater turtles sunning on a log in a river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.

Riverside Turtles Around Every Bend – My Nature Journal

ByChristine

Today’s Nature Journal Summary

DateMay 28, 2022
TimeAround 9:00am
Habitat ExploredOak and mixed hardwood floodplain forest, river
WeatherSunny, some passing, fluffy, white clouds
Temperature (Fahrenheit / Celsius)70°F / 21°C
Wind3 mph from 0° N to S
Humidity76%
Animals EncounteredFreshwater turtles (unable to identify to species)

Folded-wing Skipper butterfly (unable to identify to species)
What I SawWent on long hike through state park. Fairly hilly, rocky trail, until hit river plain, then mostly soft dirt.

River seemed really high. Water very brown, opaque, no sense of depth but fast current even in the widest sections. Lots of erosion along the banks and lots of logs and debris wedged along the edges and curves.

Many turtles were basking in the sun along the river banks and on logs out in the water. They were very skittish and plopped into the water while we were still some distance away. All different sizes of turtles, some larger than I expected and am used to from lakes and ponds. May have been multiple species but they disappeared into the murky water before I could really get a good look.

Also saw a pretty folded-wing skipper. As is usual with these butterflies, can’t identify it to species. Basically, they are all the same orange and brown, with only minute differences. But still enjoyed seeing them. They were the only things moving in the forest it seemed. Saw very few birds in the trees – surprising.
What I HeardThe sound of multiple turtles plopping into the water upon my approach. Tried to be as quiet as possible but they heard me coming, or saw me coming, or both.
ThoughtsFrustrated at how readily the turtles vanished into invisibility under the murky river water.

Impressed that the turtles can swim so easily in the current. The current seemed really powerful in most sections of the river but the turtles didn’t seem bothered at all.

Surprised at how few birds I saw during this whole outing. Very few birds spotted on the deep woods section of the trail and even along the river side. A few fleeting glimpses but overall, very quiet on the bird front.
05/28/2022 Now I Wonder Nature Journal Summary

Today’s Photos

Freshwater turtles

Large freshwater turtle sunning on a log projecting from river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
This turtle had no difficulty gripping this log thanks to the long claws on its webbed feet A moment before I took this shot a smaller turtle was resting just behind this turtle The smaller turtle spooked and dropped into the water Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
Tiny turtle perched on end of log suspended over river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
This little guy wins the prize for tiniest turtle seen today His shell was only about the diameter of a soup can Surprisingly he didnt spook and drop into the water upon my approach like his larger cousins did Not sure his courage is such a great idea but maybe he is safer out of the water than in it since he is so tiny Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
Three freshwater turtles sunning themselves on rocks in a river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
Many of the turtles basking in the sun along the river held their legs straight out toes spread and claws extended The pose doesnt look very comfortable to me but the turtles seemed happy Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
Six freshwater turtles of all sizes lined up on log floating in river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
Todays hike along the river was basically one fantastic turtle sighting after another A moment before I took this picture this log held at least three more turtles But in keeping with the theme of todays hike they disappeared underwater in a flash The other six were made of sterner stuff and stuck around on their log Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
Three freshwater turtles sunning on a log in a river. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
This log was clearly a popular hangout The two turtles closer to the water were jostling each other on their way as they clambered out of the water The big turtle already staked its claim I watched the smaller two climb closer but the big one didnt give an inch so the three ended up bunched together Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder

Folded-wing skipper butterfly

Folded-wing Skipper butterfly. Photograph taken by the author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
This small folded wing skipper was just about the only creature I saw on this hike other than all the riverside turtles I love the unique way they hold their wings Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
Close-up of folded-wing skipper butterfly from the front. Photograph taken by author. Copyright Now I Wonder.
A close up of a folded wing skipper butterfly Photograph taken by the author Copyright Now I Wonder
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Christine
Christine is the creator and author of NowIWonder.com, a website dedicated to the animals and plants that share our world, and the science that helps us understand them. Inspired by lifelong exploration and learning, Christine loves to share her knowledge with others who want to connect with wild faces and wild spaces.
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