#1
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Rare visitors
It seems that my property is a hot spot for a few of Ontario's Species at Risk. Today this Five-lined Skink made an appearance
And just 2 days ago this Blanding's turtle found it's way here as well We also usually see a few Eastern Hognose snakes each year, which is another SAR. All of these species are reportable, the MNR wants to keep a database on where they are and keep tabs on their status. Considering the time of year, the turtle was likely a female looking for a nesting spot when she wandered right up to our house. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a better picture of the skink. It surprised me and I didn't have the camera handy. Came out the front door and saw a tail disappear over the edge of the front porch. It looked like a snake's tail, but snakes don't just launch themselves over the edge of things and drop to the ground, so I went down the steps at the side and around the front. The skink was just sitting there, clinging to the wall and didn't move. I sent my daughter inside for the camera, but by the time I had it, and was ready to shoot the skink had moved to where it was partly obscured by the plants. That was the only shot I got before it completely disappeared. I'll be watching for it from now on though.
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Beware of Mushers...They will suck you into their addiction! If your dog thinks you're the best, don't seek a second opinion! http://www.racingrescues.com http://www.goodbyegoose.com Last edited by Gail P; June 9th, 2008 at 11:59 PM. |
#2
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A couple more turtle shots
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Beware of Mushers...They will suck you into their addiction! If your dog thinks you're the best, don't seek a second opinion! http://www.racingrescues.com http://www.goodbyegoose.com |
#3
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that's so odd...i wouldn't think a turtle is a wild animal in Canada. I saw a couple by the canal where I live too. Strange. Where do they sleep in winter?!
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#4
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Quote:
In the fall turtles dig down into the mud to hibernate for the winter.
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Beware of Mushers...They will suck you into their addiction! If your dog thinks you're the best, don't seek a second opinion! http://www.racingrescues.com http://www.goodbyegoose.com |
#5
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I've never seen any turtles around here but we do have skinks. They have bright blue tails when they are young. The cats are always bringing them home to show mom.
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#6
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Gail great photos. I hardly ever see turtles anymore. Here in Pa. growing up as a child, I saw hundreds of these guys but now on our own little farm in the 4 years we have been here I have not seen one. We have lots of woods and natural water so I am surprised not to see any.
I think the skink would really startle me to see one...you are alot braver than me. Thanks for sharing the pics. The turtle brought back some fond memories. |
#7
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WOW - you are fortunate to get these critters - looks like they know where to go for a safe rest! Great pictures of them too..
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Bobby - June 15/04 - Aug 30/11 Amber 6.5 yr Golden girl Shadow 9 yr rumpy black ManxX boy |
#8
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Wow, nice photos. Awesome that your property is a little bit of wildlife sanctuary.
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#9
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That skink is really pretty.
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There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
#10
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Wow ! That is too cool ! but I'm glad the little reptile is at your place and not mine
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#11
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Quote:
My neighbour used to be bothered by snakes around her house, and would often kill them. Once she saw me handling them though and that there's really nothing to be alarmed about it's helped to ease her fears. That and education about the more rare species. A lot of people call a hognose snake a "puff adder" and think it's dangerous so they kill them on sight. They are not really an adder (which is venemous and does't live around here) but people seem to find them threatening because of their looks and actions. They are a very thick-bodied snake (like venemous snakes often are) and can grow quite large, plus they will put on a display when they feel threatened. The mimic a rattlesnake by vibrating the tip of their tail (but have no rattle, though they may make a rattling noise in dry leaves) and they will rear up and hood out their neck like a cobra. If all that doesn't work to scare off a predator (or human), they will then roll over and play dead, writhing in apparent death throes and even hanging their tongue out of their open mouth. Really they are the most interesting snake I know of. We often find smaller ones around here so they are obviously established in our area and breeding. Now that my neighbour is not as fearful of them she will scoop them up on a shovel and bring them over to my side of the road, away from her house.
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Beware of Mushers...They will suck you into their addiction! If your dog thinks you're the best, don't seek a second opinion! http://www.racingrescues.com http://www.goodbyegoose.com Last edited by Gail P; June 10th, 2008 at 12:21 PM. |
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