Yesterday when the sun was shining and the temperature soared to the high 50’s (15 degrees C), I was blissfully ignorant that snow was headed our way. Like this Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) that I observed at my local marsh, I wanted only to bask in the warmth of the sun.
Today in the Washington D.C. area, the federal government and most of the schools are closed and we are all hunkered down as we await the arrival of what is forecast to be the biggest snowstorm we’ve had in a few years, as much as eight inches (20cm).
During the summer, I often see a whole row of turtles on this particular log, but yesterday this was the only turtle that had bee roused from its slumbering state by the surprisingly warm, sunny weather. The mud on its shell suggests that this turtle did not swim around a lot, but made a beeline for this log after rose to the surface.
I suspect that this turtle is already back in the mud at the bottom of the pond today, comfortably dreaming of spring, when it will reemerge into the sun.
Click on the photo to see a higher resolution view of the turtle.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
The light, shadow, angles and the pose really work together well.
Thanks, Lyle. I suspect that there are no turtles visible outdoors in your area at this time of the year. Despite the warmer weather yesterday, I didn’t expect to see any turtles. Right now, it’s slightly more “normal” (at least for you) 28 degrees (-2 C), snowing and windy.
I recently learned that only mammals hibernate: turtles and other reptiles brumate. Who knew?
I am amazed to see a turtle at this time of year!
Great shot and love the reflection! For your sake, I hope you do get a good accumulation of snow, because it’s so infrequent there–as I well remember. Eager to see what you do with it!
Well, Gary, snow fell for much of yesterday and we probably got close to eight inches of snow. It would be nice to try to get some photos of it today, but the temperature is going to get to a high of only 15 degrees and with winds, the wind chill is expected to get down below zero. In addition, I’ll be risking life and limb to go to work, since the government is open today, albeit with a delayed start. Perhaps I’ll be able to get some shots on Friday, my next scheduled day off.
I like this shot-simple and uncomplicated. I never would have expected to see a turtle in January! The only secret to moving about in the cold is dressing for it, including covering your face. Stay safe.
This guy was in for a shock with temperature swings of 50 degrees in your area. He must have thought it was time to emerge for a spring fling. What a shock!