All of nature seems to be speeding up as we move deeper into spring. Even the turtles seem to be moving faster, like this Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) that I spotted recently at a county-run historical garden.
Initially the turtle was swimming around in a small pond (as shown in the second shot). I was pleased that I was able to capture a shot of the turtle as it was emerged from the water onto the shore.
I had my 180mm macro lens on my camera when I caught sight of the turtle and I was reminded of the need to zoom with my feet when using a lens with a fixed focal length. In my zeal to get a bit closer to the turtle, I narrowly avoided sliding down the bank into the water.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Nice get.
Ah, the inherent dangers that we face when we strive for what we perceive to be the ideal angle and proximity. Happily, I can count the times when I’ve taken the zeal just a bit too far on one hand. But I remember each one in great detail–and, truth be told–with great fondness as well.
Nice shots Mike. I’ve had episodes like you describe a few times myself.
I don’t know why, but I think turtles are really cute!
I do appreciate your efforts to capture images for us.
I think the turtle was definitely worth the risk of a bath!
That red ear was very well illustrated in your photos. Well done!
Thanks, Sue. Some of the times the Red-eared Sliders and the Painted Turtles look almost identical, but not this time.