always look before you leap............... Eastern Box Turtle

I just love finding young turtles, they're

missing the "bumps of life."

Eastern Box Turtle - Terrapene carolina carolina

(the shell of this one was about 6 inches in length)

Backyard Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Halloween Colors of Orange & Black - But this Senior Citizen is NOT scary a bit - Gentle Grandad

Sure I've got a LONG skinny neck.....

and LOADS of wrinkles.....

but you can betcha.....

I've got LOTS OF SPUNK left in me yet!

A very handsome senior citizen of Chesterfield County, Virginia..... that simply adores my yellow tomatoes ;0)

Images of male Eastern Box Turtle by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Eastern Box Turtle - NO I will NOT come out!!!!!

In most cases the box turtle is more secure from harm while retracted in its shell. Except when in the middle of the road! Oh my! I brake for wildlife..... don't you?
Photograph by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Deja vu? Digging a nest to deposit eggs in this Chesterfield County yard is a Snapping Turtle although not a surprising event as a pond is nearby.

(click on photo to enlarge)

I say deja vu as just last summer I witnessed another turtle digging a nest in my front yard.

Look closely and you will see that the female snapper has sustained a severe deforming injury to her shell that has long since healed. Poor baby. She also has a large cyst on her back leg. In spite of her past tragedy she has prevailed to continue her species...... one tough cookie!

For more information about this Virginia turtle: http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/species/display.asp?id=030050

Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Male Eastern Box Turtle ... Update on female laying eggs in nest ... This must be Daddy with a visiting butterfly on his back!

I have been busy but just HAD to update my previous post about the female Eastern Box Turtle digging her nest. Daddy was found crossing our driveway within 50 feet of the nest site. Think he is responsible for her family way? No that is NOT a fake butterfly. It really landed as I shot the picture! What luck! So sweet. Couldn't ask for a better photograph of the "gentleman."

Carolyn Hietala

Eastern Box Turtle digging hole to lay eggs in Richmond, Virginia. Imagine being there to catch such a rarity as they are so shy.

I was walking my Min Pin just before bedtime last night along our driveway when I spotted this lovely box turtle diligently preparing a nest to lay her eggs. I was able to get a few photos but didn't want to disturb her so this morning I checked the site and she had expertly covered it with debris. I would never have know she had been there and such a priviledge to witness. Even though I didn't see the actual depositing of the eggs.......I just know they are there!
Carolyn Hietala