Mountsberg turtles

[rcflier]

I walked the "north trail" to the top extremities of the reservoir. I was hoping to find the "upper lookout tower" but never did. I reached the end of the trail where it meets the road. When I returned the folks at the reception desk told me the tower was torn down a month ago becase it was too old and falling apart - dangerous.

Anyway, a terrific little hike - about 3 hours return.

4 new FOL birds for me - Tree Swallow, Lesser Yellowlegs, Northern Shoveler and a mystery bird in the Bird Id setion

But, I also found this little guy. I think he's a little snapper - about 6" long and 5" wide .

He was on the paved road at the top end of the trail - he almost got run over by the first car I saw - so I "re-located" him to the marshy / reservoir side of the road.

 

[Brian Bailey]

Yes, that's a snapper.  Be very careful moving these.  They can reach their heads very far, very fast.  I'm no turtle expert, but I have been told the only safe way to pick one up without protective gear is by the tail.

BB

[Reuven_M]

You should not pick them up by the tail, as it can hurt them. The safest way to pick them up is by the rear sides of the shell, but this results in getting scratched if it's one of the monster ones.

[rcflier]

I picked this little guy up with my fingers at about 7 and 5 o'clock.  He did stick is head out and around the side a bit.  Yikes - big open snapper beak !! even if he was pretty small ( about 6" in dia.)  I certainly didn't want to see him as Turkey vulture food on the road.