Dateline: May-June 2022, Presque Isle State Park
Always fun to see turtles; plenty of them at Presque Isle. Skipping “turtles on logs” for this post. Instead, in keeping with the recent beach theme, it’s turtles on sand!
Usually plenty of turtles around any of the interior ponds. For a bit more diversity and close-up action (who doesn’t want close-up turtle action?), recommend the Gull Point outer old trail, and Gull Point itself. Be on the lookout for turtles on or right off the trail, in sandy areas, especially late spring. (Shots immediately above and below were both on the trail, at different locations.)
Once out at Gull Point, at the start of the roped-off corridor, the first pond immediately to the right – “Turtle Pond” – has lots and lots of turtles. Especially Spiny Softshell Turtle. See shots immediately below and at the top of the post. Usually these guys are sunning on the edge of the pond, but are skittish and retreat underwater quickly – be on the lookout.
Following turtles could be Painted Turtles or Northern Map Turtles. (There’s a reason this site isn’t TutlePI.com…) These were all along the Gull Point rope corridor, early in the morning (around 7AM). In the dunes for, presumably, burying eggs in the sand.
The fourth rule of nature journalism is “close [your story] with impact.” Kind of out of turtle shots, so going with a bunny at the Budny Beach east parking area. Makes total sense – turtles lay eggs, and the Easter bunny delivers chocolate eggs.
