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
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
ReplyDeleteGreat 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!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing these animals. Looks like the helmeted guy on the top was posing for you.
ReplyDeletei 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
ReplyDeletelove the shot of his big maw. that's cool that he can eat w/o water!
ReplyDeleteTurtles are so cool. Neato.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to be back enjoying your delightful photography.
ReplyDeleteLove the open mouthed shot. I do believe I can see a WWII military helmet there.
ReplyDeleteRubbish By Roan
I love turtles so I think this guy is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I've never seen one of these .... and to catch it with it's mouth open like that was FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's a soldier from WWII coming up out of his foxhole. So, yes, a helmet.
ReplyDeleteAn attractive species. We had turtles in our canal in south Florida, but people kept catching them for soup.
Interesting pics and facts. Good capture of him with his mouth opening, waiting for his next meal.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have seen this this kind of turtle...interesting facts, also.
ReplyDeleteI love the pic with his mouth open!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing. I didn't know these poses!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of them, so you've taught me something!
ReplyDeleteWow I have never seen a turtle do that before. Must of been one heck of a climb for him too.
ReplyDeleteI think this could be called "Sticking Your Neck Out"!
ReplyDeleteIt does look like a helmet. You know a lot about the animals in your province.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful pictures of the turtle. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteGreat "critter"....he is a big handsome fellow, and I do think his shell looks like a helmet.
ReplyDeleteActually awsome shot!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week:)
Elisa
What a magnificent capture! WEll done.
ReplyDeleteI thought he was singing, standing on the stamp-stage :-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I meant on a stUmp-stage.
ReplyDeleteVery cool shots!
ReplyDelete