Some of you may recall the episode of wild kingdom that we experienced at 29 Palanga last year at this time, when an adult female snapping turtle laid her eggs in our front garden. Sadly, I don't think any of those eggs matured, mostly because of a cold summer that I believe made their incubation impossible. It's possible that predators got to them, but there was no evidence of digging after Ma Turtle took care of business.
Well, much to Faith's surprise as she walked out the front door this morning, Ma Turtle was back, and this time she brought a friend - presumably another female since male snapping turtles aren't known for their paternal instincts.
They were both well into digging holes for their eggs pretty much on top of one another and we left them to themsleves. While I hopped into the shower for 5 minutes, the larger of the two finished and headed back to the lake, though by what route I do not know. I counldn't find any evidence of her passage. The other finished up while I kept an appointment and when I returned she was gone and all that remained was the disturbed earth.
From last year's investigation I believe we now have between 8 and 18 weeks before gestation is complete. I will keep an eye on them and out for an predators and report back if there is any interesting happenings.
Ahhh, beer. Good stuff, and last night Faith treated me to a birthday dinner at The Tap, a brew pub in nearby Haverhill (say haverill) where I partook of their Sampler, a tasty selection of 5 beers of various sorts. For any who may visit plan on that as a destination. Sitting on the banks of the Merrimac enjoying some fresh brewed beers is truly an indulgence we all deserve.
4 comments:
A lot of snapping turtles swimming around in your swimming lake is not the lovliest of ideas.
As for beers-looks like you're getting warmed up!
Only rarely see the turtles - they keep to themselves.
I drink a few beers a week, usually no more than 1 or 2 at a time.
I drink less than a few beers a week. I'd say with the exception of the once or twice a year binge, I drink about a beer every two weeks. I wouldn't mind drinking more, but for me the environment & setting is everything. Such an ideal place & right time for a beer doesn't happen every day.
Particularly with summer here, Faith and I will have a beer any evening towards the end of the week.
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