While I can’t promise turtle postings every week, Tuesday’s will be Turtle Day for this blog 🙂
I saw my first Softshell a little over a year ago and was amazed at its size. It had to be a female. This species’ females can grow to 24 3/4 inches!!!
A deliveryman spotted the turtle crossing the street and was making sure this amazing creature made it safely across. Of course I had to stop, too 🙂 He tried to pick it up and the turtle was having nothing to do with that. It gathered its legs underneath and lunged into the air each time he tried to grab it… feisty one!
Last week was Camp Spring Island at work. For three days, the grandchildren of Spring Island members get immersed in a nature camp. Tony Mills, our Education Director, brought in several species of turtles for one of the programs. When I spotted the softshell, I knew I’d be staying late to sketch 🙂
She wasn’t too bad of a model. Every now and then she’d get curious and lift her head a bit. Equally as feisty as the one I encountered before…. Do not touch my shell! Apparently, their neck is so long, they can reach around very easily and bite whoever is trying to pick them up from behind….. now that gives me pause!
Thanks, Joan! I'm honored!
Thanks, Joan! I'm honored!
Hi Carol! The shell has more the feel of leather and though termed 'soft' when I stroked it, there was a solidness to it.
Hi Carol! The shell has more the feel of leather and though termed 'soft' when I stroked it, there was a solidness to it.
How would you describe the texture of the shell? Obviously not like a snapper/painted/ spotted that I am used to . . .yet it is not truly soft either? I tried to do some research but did not exactly come up with an answer. Kinda like thick shoe leather?
How would you describe the texture of the shell? Obviously not like a snapper/painted/ spotted that I am used to . . .yet it is not truly soft either? I tried to do some research but did not exactly come up with an answer. Kinda like thick shoe leather?
Lovely journal page and helpful information. I have never seen a softshell turtle. I will be using this post in a presentation I am doing on nature journals next Saturday. It shows what you can do with both a paper and electronic journal. Thanks for the inspiration.
Lovely journal page and helpful information. I have never seen a softshell turtle. I will be using this post in a presentation I am doing on nature journals next Saturday. It shows what you can do with both a paper and electronic journal. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you, Carol! That would be beautiful as my model was a glowing female 🙂
I love the idea of Turtle Tuesdays! Your model is quite handsome (beautiful?) and I like your sketch very much.
I love the idea of Turtle Tuesdays! Your model is quite handsome (beautiful?) and I like your sketch very much.
Thanks, Rhonda 🙂 Turtles have been on my list forever. Thanks to Ms Softshell, it's begun.
Thanks, Susan! Bravo for your hubby!
Thank you so, Sadami!
Thank you so, Sadami!
Hi, Pam, wonderful post and a beautiful drawings. Pass my best wishes to your model!
Kind regards, Sadami
Hi, Pam, wonderful post and a beautiful drawings. Pass my best wishes to your model!
Kind regards, Sadami
We love them! My husband is self appointed 'turtle rescuer' as we live between two lakes and they travel between. Unfortunately there is a road involved, which is where he comes in. Love your sketch and commentary.
Turtle Tuesdays! Another good reason to check blogs in the morning 🙂 I love her long snout and cute face. Turtles are so wonderful and I'm not sure why but they seem to be right up there with dolphins when people talk about the "common" animals they can see in any zoo or aquarium. I'd watch out for that long neck, though 🙂
Turtle Tuesdays! Another good reason to check blogs in the morning 🙂 I love her long snout and cute face. Turtles are so wonderful and I'm not sure why but they seem to be right up there with dolphins when people talk about the "common" animals they can see in any zoo or aquarium. I'd watch out for that long neck, though 🙂