Turtle Tryst

Another beautiful day, though still no rain. Concern is mounting already, despite a very wet March. Spring continues to explode around us, assuring us that life is resilient.

I have lived for 68 years, and have always loved box turtles. When we moved here, I wanted to start a turtle sanctuary, and rescued turtles from the roadways, bringing them here. There are dangers here, too, of course. I had overlooked that. Then, I read turtles have very small and distinct ranges and will often perish if relocated. That made me feel terrible. Anyway, now I take turtles off blacktop roads to the side toward which they are headed, and leave them with a hope for good fortune. Sometimes I imagine myself being killed “rescuing” a turtle. That would make for an interesting obituary.

This may not be a turtle sanctuary, but I have now seen three pairs of turtles mating in the past three years! I am greatly encouraged by this. Today, I went out to pick the all weather paddocks (basically a desert landscape) and there was a tryst in progress, right out in the open. I don’t mean to be indelicate, but it is so fascinating I have included photographs. My mother would be appalled.

Well, this went on for hours! I checked the internet for information. Mating turtles can spend hours together. OK, but after five hours, worried that the horses might bother them, I picked them up and moved them to the woods. There, I gave them grapes and some water. Shortly after that, the male enjoyed a couple of grapes, then left in search of other adventures.

The female, who seemed very shy, eventually “came out of her shell” and ate some grapes. I am hoping to see baby turtles one of these days, something I have never had the privilege to witness.

Meanwhile, through the woods, came Jane and Derry. Jane had spent hours working the ring footing, and setting new jumps. I was not being lazy, just taking pictures of turtles – I had fence to fix, with Nathan and Allison helping. The ring is so dusty that Jane opted for a trail ride and prayers for rain.

Some of the flowers are beginning to feel the lack of rain. Solomon’s seal is a bit droopy, though lily of the valley is doing well.

The summer tanager and the cardinals add splashes of red throughout the green trees. We are surrounded by birdsong and flashes of magic.

Harry turns Stone out for the evening.

Roscoe at the end of the day, awaits our return from barn and studio.

And finally, an impressionistic photo as a pileated woodpecker drops off the deck.

Be safe, be well, be surprised. Slava Ukraini! Peace.