Yesterday, On the Pond

Yesterday, we took advantage of the break in the heat and headed out on the pond for a little recreational paddling. It was beautiful and once we were out on the pond, away from the shore line, we weren't bothered by any biting flies or mosquitoes -- luxurious!


This female yellow-bellied slider, Chrysemys scripta, was quite tolerant of our approach. Normally the turtles are very shy and dive into the water long before we get close enough for a photo.

The size of the turtle, the relatively short length of the claws on the front feet, and the short tail shown in the photo below all indicate this turtle was female.