Pictures Turtle “Rescue”

[Kassiani]

When I looked out my kitchen window this morning, I saw this guy (gal?) in my backyard surrounded by the local Crow family.

I couldn’t tell if the turtle was stuck or trying lay eggs (not their usual spot).

The turtle seemed to be able to move all of his legs but one, so I went with stuck. Got my leather gloves and picked him up slightly and moved him forward just a tad. When I lifted him, I could tell that his left front claws had gotten tangled in the thatch. Once loose, he scurried back to the pond!

 

[faislaq]

Thank you for saving that little guy! I'm glad his leg was okay & the crows hadn't gotten to him.

Is that your pond? Very pretty area.

 

[Kassiani]

Thank you! Yes that’s the pond in my area. I’m one of about a dozen homes built around this pond in the mid-60’s. My back yard is very overgrown in some areas, but it is a beautiful, peaceful spot!

 

[Sparkles99]

You're a turtle rescue-er!

 

[Greylady1966]

Beautiful yard.

 

[Kassiani]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say!

 

[Love My Zons]

Looks like someone was making a nest to lay eggs? I always stop for turtles on the roadway and move them off.

Thank you for being a turtle trooper!

 

[Kassiani]

If it was a Cooter or Slider, it could have been considering that spot as a nest site. I don't know enough about turtles to fill a thimble, lol! My yard, considering the dogs and cats in the neighborhood, would not be a suitable site!

 

[Kassiani]

Dagnabbit! Turns out it was a female, she was laying eggs (although I swear I didn’t see any and the hole did not seem deep enough), and the crows ultimately got the eggs

This was the hole this morning. It just didn’t seem big or deep enough to hold eggs (it’s about 8 in wide and only looked about 3 or 4 in deep).



There were about 4 or 5 egg shells lying about presumably because of the crows.



So now I guess I should figure out some way to cage a turtle nest to protect it from predators? Well, assuming another lady seems to think my backyard is the ideal nest spot

 

[JornsBergenson]

Dagnabbit! Turns out it was a female, she was laying eggs (although I swear I didn’t see any and the hole did not seem deep enough), and the crows ultimately got the eggs

Well, nature happens sometimes. And all because of these wretched birds! Oh wait. We like birds around here.

Oh well, a birds gotta eat ya know. Better luck next time, momma turtle.

 

[Greylady1966]

That's too bad. I wouldn't think right in the open would be a good spot for a nest especially since you have water closer. I know nothing about turtles but I know I would have moved her closer to the water to.

 

[Kassiani]

Well, nature happens sometimes. And all because of these wretched birds! Oh wait. We like birds around here.

Oh well, a birds gotta eat ya know. Better luck next time, momma turtle.

Yes, well, I feel worse that I interrupted her. I realize ‘nature happens’. I’m not naive. I’m sure she’ll lay again elsewhere.

 

[Kassiani]

That's too bad. I wouldn't think right in the open would be a good spot for a nest especially since you have water closer. I know nothing about turtles but I know I would have moved her closer to the water to.

Some sources I looked through today stated that these turtles do lay in sandy/loamy soil in clear areas about 100 feet from the water. Apparently they look for clearings so that the hatchlings have an easier time making it to the water.

 

[BirdG1rl]

Beautiful!

 

[JornsBergenson]

Yes, well, I feel worse that I interrupted her. I realize ‘nature happens’. I’m not naive. I’m sure she’ll lay again elsewhere.

Sorry that my attempt at a lighthearted comment was insensitive. I didn't intend to direct it at you. Please accept my apology.

 

[Britnicorn]

Hopefully it means, since there wasn't a proper hole for the eggs, the eggs were infertile, but I'm no turtle expert

 

[Kassiani]

I think she was (is) a young female due to her size. She has plenty of time to lay more clutches!