Common Snapping Turtle

On her way home from work this afternoon Nicki found a rather large turtle crossing West College St. Of course it needed to be relocated. So we contained it in a recycle bucket and drove it over to the Oberlin's Westwood Cemetery - which has a small algaed-covered pond well protected with a border of shrubbery. We checked a half-hour later and it wasn't where we left it so all may be well. We're pretty sure it was a Common Snapping Turtle. (By the way - the picture showing Nicki picking up the turtle is NOT the way you are supposed to pick up a snapping turtle. We know that now after doing our research tonight) (And the last photo is a toad that Nicki found in a flower pot)

Findley Lake 8/20/10

Quiet, warm evening. Especially quiet for a Friday night. One regal great blue heron - a real poser - never gave up his roost. Water level was a little low. The area could use some rain.

Findley Lake 8/13/10

Another late afternoon/early evening excursion on Findley Lake. The usual herons. But the unusual deer in the forest, a cormorant, and an osprey - and a huge snapping turtle swimming next to my boat that startled me so much I didn't the camera in position fast enough to get a shot of. My back has been cleared by a specialist so we are ready to officially re-begin this kayaking season.

Blimp

Nicki and I were taking Oliver for a walk in Tappan Square this afternoon and a Goodyear blimp flew overhead. Oliver was too busy doing his squirrel herding to notice. (photo by cellphone)

Findley Lake 8/10/10

A warm summer evening. A very quiet owl watching me watch him. A very compliant heron posing. And even a sleepy turtle. Nice time on the water.

Findley Lake 8/6/10

Turtles - lots of turtles. A very calm snake. And several herons. A good evening on Findley Lake.

Back to Kayaking

Finally! Back in the boats - despite medical advice. And it felt very good. Nice weather. Our animal friends missed us. A couple hours on the water as the sun set. Maybe we'll do it again this weekend. The weather is just too good to pass up.

Oliver visits Hans

Zahira in the Movies

From Zahira Movies

From Zahira Movies