It's been a great month for outdoor discovery here in the NE Tennessee State Parks, and I've had the pleasure of working with LOTS of park visitors out among the "critters." Here are a few samples of some of our discoveries.
We've seen many Eastern Box Turtles out roaming - it's their mating season. Here are a few views of a female. (Females have brownish eyes).
And two different male Eastern Box Turtles. (Males have reddish eyes). Isn't it amazing how much the color and pattern vary between individuals!
We're seeing an increasing number of Painted Turtles in our park ponds. Please don't paint turtles! The name comes from their naturally red, "painted" appearance. Notice that one of these turtles has a head full of little bugs.
How about another reptile… A sharp-eyed young hiker spotted this very young Garter Snake over at Hampton Creek Cove. The color pattern will change considerably as the snake matures.
Another young hiker found this Seal Salamander (??not sure of the ID??) in the moss at Hampton Creek Cove.
Green Frogs just started to sing within the past few weeks.
Everyone loves watching the Forest Snails!
And most of us enjoy watching the Chipmunks as well. Here's one of a large group that's moved into one of our picnic shelters…
And another out in the deep woods, pretending that the annoying photographer is not there.
Hope you enjoyed the assemblage of "critters," and that you'll share your comments & critique!