OK, it wasn't super nice out but it was good enough to know we'd see some turtles at a turtle-centric place, so we headed to Middlesex County to see what we could find. It was in the low 50s and sunny. Good enough for "sun turtles".
We hit the trail and noted how flooded the place was. We've seen worse, though. We knew we'd get some wet feet, and we did. Our first Painted Turtles of the year were visible, but tough to photograph.
The next couple of sightings weren't any easier, but it was great to see these guys again. It had been since November!
I finally got a look at a short-stack without any bushes in the way.
We did the whole walk but I'd have to say that the place was still about 2/5ths ice so we finished up and planned to hit a sunnier spot on the way home.
The next place was filthy with humans but we kept our cool and went about our business. We saw very little ice here and despite the humans, you could still see a Painter or two if you knew how to look.
At this second spot, we also have the advantage of knowing a spot where some Garters and Water Snakes over-winter. When we got over to that area, this dirty Garter gal was lazing in the sun.
Along that same stretch, we saw a few more smaller Garters exploring the Spring weather. Some evaded our cameras, some did not.
From there on out, we watched birds and I added a few common species. None were more entertaining than a couple of American Crows that were showing off right in front of us. Bath-time was especially entertaining.
A pair of Muskrats were also fun to watch. Here's one of 'em.
And that's that. A great day on the trails and our first 2021 Painted Turtles. Can't beat that.
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