Saturday, June 9, 2012

Blanding's Turtle/Camera Critters

 Blanding's turtle atop an old stump

This turtle's domed shell is said to resemble a military helmet. What do you think? It's yellow throat and jaw also makes it easy to identify.

Blanding's turtles prefer shallow water found in marshes and bogs with lots of vegetation and are mostly found in the southern Great Lakes region, which ranges from Ontario in the north and Illinois to Nebraska in the south. Here in Ontario they are protected under the province's threatened Species Act.

Waiting for a tasty morsel to fly right in

Unlike other aquatic turtles, Blanding's can swallow their food without being submerged.

Raccoons, skunks and parasites are major enemies, as well as road traffic, habitat destruction and collection for sale as pets.

To see many more critters, visit Misty Dawn at CAMERA CRITTERS 

26 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

I don't think I have ever seen one of those turtles in my neck of the woods but they must be here. Awesome shots. B

eileeninmd said...

Great sighting and turtle. It does look like a helmet. It is great that they are being protected, it is sad to see so many animal species being threatened. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!

Kate said...

Love seeing these animals. Looks like the helmeted guy on the top was posing for you.

MadSnapper said...

i think it does look like a helmet. glad i don't have to sit on a stump with my mouth open waiting for food. glad they are protected, sad they need to be

TexWisGirl said...

love the shot of his big maw. that's cool that he can eat w/o water!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Turtles are so cool. Neato.

LindyLouMac said...

I am so pleased to be back enjoying your delightful photography.

Roan said...

Love the open mouthed shot. I do believe I can see a WWII military helmet there.
Rubbish By Roan

Snap said...

I love turtles so I think this guy is magnificent!

Kerri Farley said...

That is so cool! I've never seen one of these .... and to catch it with it's mouth open like that was FABULOUS!

Lowell said...

I'd say it's a soldier from WWII coming up out of his foxhole. So, yes, a helmet.

An attractive species. We had turtles in our canal in south Florida, but people kept catching them for soup.

Janie said...

Interesting pics and facts. Good capture of him with his mouth opening, waiting for his next meal.

Rose said...

I don't think I have seen this this kind of turtle...interesting facts, also.

RedPat said...

I love the pic with his mouth open!

cieldequimper said...

These are amazing. I didn't know these poses!

Paul in Powell River said...

I have never heard of them, so you've taught me something!

Randy said...

Wow I have never seen a turtle do that before. Must of been one heck of a climb for him too.

Kathy said...

I think this could be called "Sticking Your Neck Out"!

Jack said...

It does look like a helmet. You know a lot about the animals in your province.

George said...

These are wonderful pictures of the turtle. Thanks for the information.

A Colorful World said...

Great "critter"....he is a big handsome fellow, and I do think his shell looks like a helmet.

Elisa N Viajes said...

Actually awsome shot!
Have a nice week:)
Elisa

Jenn Jilks said...

What a magnificent capture! WEll done.

Zosia said...

I thought he was singing, standing on the stamp-stage :-)

Zosia said...

P.S. I meant on a stUmp-stage.

Stephanie said...

Very cool shots!

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.