Turtles

I like turtles, especially the Eastern box turtles that crisscross the land where I live and the sea turtles that visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. See the photo collection on this page.

Twice this weekend I stopped the car to get out and move this box turtle from the gravel driveway.

The Coconut Wireless: Two turtles

For many years, I thought of my blog (archived at mistersugar.com; I blog now at zuiker.com) as the “coconut wireless” in deference to my time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the South Pacific, where news traveled around Paama Island as people walked from village to village. Now that I have the means to post audio observations, I’ve decided to recycle the name for my microcasts.

So, here’s the first, a short observation on how the world outside is helping to keep me sane as I spend so much time in the house at my desk.

Out walking the land with the puppy, came across this turtle.

Box turtle near the carport.

Late afternoon thunderstorms are drenching Chapel Hill, and the box turtles are on the move. Found two on the gravel driveway.

Another big rain, another box turtle on the move, this one in my path as i walked to retrieve the Sunday NYTimes.

I was out walking woods again, checking on the fire ring we cleared Saturday and almost stepping on this turtle. Walked back to house and found good friends had stopped by to bring pickled sour cherries as consolation for my missing our annual road trip to pick cherries jn VA.

Discovered cool photo features of my new iPhone 8 Plus: profile mode with lighting options. Used it on a turtle shell my son and his friend found this afternoon in the woods out back.

Another big rain, another creature crawling across the yard. This an Eastern box turtle.

Box turtle near car wheel.

The box turtles are on the move today across the Triangle. Found this one in my neighborhood, and just passed over another 5 on way to work. Take care not to crunch them!

Was worried about that turtle and the ant, but should have been focused on what might be clamped on me. In the shower tonight, found a lone start tick on my hip. Must be vigilant this summer, and spray liberally.

Walked the land at my new house and came upon a box turtle with a black ant clamped to its eyelid. Later noticed this interesting plant. Also found many cedar trees that will make good posts for the garden we will plant soon.

Threatened: A Green-Haired Turtle That Can Breathe Through Its Genitals - The New York Times:

Take the green-haired turtle. It breathes through its genitals. Not all the time — but after a long time underwater, an alternative way to get oxygen really helps.