Observations by sdwpomfret

I rescued the large turtle about three weeks ago on June 2nd. It was in the middle of a busy paved road. I released it into my little pond hoping it would stick around as I figured it would have a good source of food and the right kind of habitat. Within 24 hours, on June 3rd, a second small painted turtle showed up in the pond. As of yesterday, a third, medium-sized painted turtle appeared. In seven years, I’ve only ever seen one or two painted turtles in my pond and never for longer than a few days. It looks like these three turtles plan to stick around.

1st daylight observation of mink this winter, around Noon today. It caught what looked like a frog (through binoculars). Have observed what might be the same mink four winters in a row now. It hunts for food in the small pond at my house. When there's enough snow pack, the mink tunnels from low ground to the edge of the pond, thereby avoiding exposure and the high ground. I only catch 2-3 daylight glimpses of the mink each winter. When the snow melts I find a pile of crayfish shells on the edge of the pond.