Turtle Town!

Turtle Number Three showed up at the steps to David and Megan's house.  She spent a little time selecting the perfect place before getting down to the serious business of digging a hole and filling it with turtle eggs.

David has been diligent in ensuring that these nests have been screened off and protected from the ravages of hungry predators, for whom turtle nests are a bonanza of tasty protein -- good news for the raccoons, but bad news for the turtles.

Having the chance to watch these prehistoric beauties up close has been a real treat for Meg and Dave, who are just thrilled to have 'pets' by their deck.

It is interesting to note that the gender of the baby turtles will be determined by where they are in the nest -- by the temperature.  An easy Rule of Thumb is to remember that "Chicks are hot, and Dudes are cool".

Mind you, we think all snapping turtles are pretty cool...