Painted Turtle

Yesterday, inspired by Ken, I went out to Hoffman Hills to take some milkweed photos. I had my 500mm lens along thinking there might be a few birds around. As I walked along a small pond I noticed several turtles slip into the water. The scene was ideal with the yellows of the willow trees reflecting on the water. I decided to wait and see if any of the turtles surfaced again. Just as I saw several heads pop up two other people came along and wanted to know what I was doing. Of course, the turtles were long gone. Since they wanted to stand around and talk I decided to leave. About a half hour later I decided to go back to the location and sure enough there were a number of turtles around. I set up the camera and waited. I spent a couple of hours watching the turtles come and go. This fellow tried to get onto the log but fell over backwards just after the shot.

To say the least this was a highly unusual sighting for this time of year. The temperature was in the mid 70’s. I saw turtles, frogs and dragon flies even though a few weeks ago there was some ice on the ponds.

Phil Schwarz
E2311 530th Ave
Menomonie, WI 54751
e-mail: schwarzp@uwstout.edu
web: http://philipschwarz.zenfolio.com/

WOW! That was my first reaction when I saw this photo. Great capture. While I've seen turtles crane their necks, I've never seen a turtle that was so vertical - in fact, beyond vertical, as it's really grasping the log. Good work because of good patience!

Tim!

I really like this photograph Phil. It's not often that I get to see the beautiful underside of these guys - especially with a complimentary background reflection! The struggle of turtle vs. log makes this all the more interesting. Well worth your time.

Let me suggest cropping much of the log on the far right - I find it slightly distracting.

Ken
Thanks for the suggestion. It makes for a big improvment. I was too focused on the turtle and didn't look at the total picture.

Phil I agree with Ken about the log.... but what a specimen. It's hard to believe such beauty is rarely seen like this. You have one amazing capture here. Obviously the turtle is wonderful( nice sharp eye!) but what makes this special for me is the nice gold background.
Really cool shot.
JG

Great shot Philip, the color in this guy is amazing, I agree with Jack on the bg it really adds a special touch to this shot.

I like the crop it brings out the reflection of the head, I didn't mind the log but it dosen't seem to add anything. Glad you endured.

Excellent capture of the Painted, Phil...I think this image would work either with or without the log. Nice work!

Very nice shot Phil. That shot has inspired me to go out in the woods today after work - Even though it is snow here in Cleveland....



Brian