by Ted Farnworth

When I arrived at the pond this morning – before the rain, I met a brave/foolhardy father and daughter who had just put a female snapping turtle into the pond. They found it making a nest in the parking lot. Maybe it was better than getting run over. Anyways, it seems that turtle egg laying has begun. On my way home from the Resource Centre, in the middle of the downpour, I saw another female turtle at the north side of the road just as you get into the Fletcher property proper. I decided to let her be. It seems that some snapping females like to build a nest in the gravel at the side of roads.

Just last week I weeded the patch of sand we laid down at the west end of the pond. This was intended to be a good place for turtles to lay their eggs. I guess they didn’t get the message. Perhaps we need a sign to direct them. I tried Google translate but no luck. Anyone know how to speak turtle?