Nikon D5100 Sigma 18-250mm Telephoto Lens f/10 250 mm 1/400
Eastern Box Turtle - Terrapene Carolina
Look at that face with the fungi from the wetlands hanging off. Looks like he ate good.
This Terrapene ' called Tarpan' around here was in the middle of the path through the wetlands yesterday with head out staring at us. He allowed me to take his picture but he was keeping a wary eye on me. I sat down and put the camera right on the path and got an angle I was pleased with. The blur was created in camera by my Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens.
I placed him on the other side off the path in case bicyclers did not see him coming through.
Description: A small, high-domed turtle (4.5 to 6.0 inches in length) with highly variable colors and patterns. Most Eastern Box Turtle specimens have yellowish to orange spots or blotches intermixed with a dark brown or black background on the shell and skin. The carapace (upper shell) has a keel running down the center and is more pronounced in juveniles.
Habitat: Prefers moist, open forests often near water and floodplains. Occasionally found in pastures or burrowing beneath logs.