Something's Eyeing You!

  Just so folks do not begin to think that I am obsessed with frogs, even though I was playing in the Frog Pond with my little grand nephew, I found a new critter!  Jadiel and I were scooping out what he calls "fishpoles" when a rather large head popped up between the lily pads. We forgot all about the tadpoles and became more interested in our new friend.  A Box Turtle had made its way into the Frog Pond and found it rather difficult to climb back out.  The sides of the little pond are rather steep and slippery making it a difficult task for a poor turtle.  Unlike the frogs, the turtle cannot hop up on the pieces of driftwood that dot the edge.  Little Jadiel was quite concerned about the turtle and even offered to "jump in and rescue it".  This, I know, was more that he just wanted to take a dip in the water but I thought it was a rather nice offer.  I assured the little fellow the there was an easier way to help our friend.  

  We pulled a few more pieces of driftwood to the edge to make a bridge and then laid the water hose in the little pond.  A recent spate of dry days had lowered the water level tremendously and raising it would allow the turtle easier access to the edge.  In the meantime, though, we would just enjoy our new friend's presence and continue our quest in catching those "fishpoles".

  Although the Box Turtle is kin to Pond Turtles,  it is not fully accustomed to living only in water.  It is more likely to be found on dry land and will only enter the water occasionally.  Probably in this turtle's case, it was hunting for water or decided that the billion or so tadpoles in the pond were tasty.  Once in, the poor thing became trapped.  Now with our handy bridge and more water, the turtle should exit the pond on its own.  If it does not, Son will be called upon to extricate the critter and build a better exit ramp just for its future use.