This morning, May 17, I spied a tiny Painted Turtle on our paved path, very slowly making its way to the river. This is the first time we’ve had an overwintering hatchling. As I was taking it down to the river on my hand, it remained quite motionless unlike previous baby snappers that have hatched in the autumn. As soon as those snappers got the scent of water, they raised their heads and started crawling from hand to hand to follow the scent.
Once at the river, I held the little one in my hand until it raised its head and showed some interest in its new watery surroundings. Even after I put it on some sunny moss very near shallow water, it took at least another five or so minutes before it became active, then it slipped into the water. Home at last! I do hope it survives.
Stephenie Armstrong
Warsaw
