While trying to photograph the unusual turtle's snout, when I got home and uploaded the image to frame it for blogging, I noticed in the shadows of the bushes that surround the area of the pond, a common gallinule [red beaked bird -aka moorhen] in the background. Which I didn't see beforehand. DISTRIBUTION: In Texas, the species is concentrated in two regions: south Texas and upper Texas coast. I was happily surprised. The turtle species [in the pond and creating its shadow on the banks -the turtle to the left, 2nd image] is the Spiny Softshell. I read, sadly, that these are hunted in Texas. Just hope there is a limitation and the turtle doesn't become endangered.
connecting to:
Shadow Shot Sunday
I SHARED SOME PHOTOS I took of THE ENDANGERED Whooping Cranes YESTERDAY...on my birding blog. CLICK HERE At long last, after years of driving to areas during the winter migration areas nearly 200 miles round trip each time...we saw some in the wild!! Finally!! It was thrilling.
I love how you caught the red beak with the yellow tip.And yes, this turtle does look like his shell is kind of soft.
ReplyDeletethere is another species of moorhen with purple...and the beak it red AND blue.
DeleteWell that was a lucky find in the shadows. Funny how we get so focused on what we're shooting that we don't notice other things.
ReplyDeleteI know!!! I swear, I never saw it.
DeleteThe picture of the bird is truly beautiful. Those poor turtles-if they're not getting run over on the highway, they're getting hunted.
ReplyDeleteOh....dear, I haven't seen any that have been run over. Good thing. I wouldn't like that picture in my head.
DeleteTurtles! You found a family of turtles! I'm enchanted!
ReplyDeleteShimmering Shadows & Haiku
"Shimmering Shadows"...a perfect haiku this week MMT
DeleteI always enjoy your photos, Anni.
ReplyDeleteYou always teach us something about your part of the country and I like that. :)
...thanks BJ.
DeleteSuch a lucky shot, love the turtles as well!
ReplyDeleteMy Shadowy Post
It's always a pleasure to read your comment.
Have a blessed Sunday!
...glad you enjoyed it Rose
DeleteAnnie what awesome photos. I love turtles. Once in a great while a turtle will venture not our yard. It is usually during the time they are laying their eggs.
ReplyDelete...we have an endangered turtle here on the islands where if we ever see eggs, we're to report them.
DeleteIt's interesting what we miss in our pictures when we concentrate on something. I am sometimes surprised by what else I caught, but this was very special, Anni! :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I missed it tho, what with the brilliant colors.
DeleteNeat looking turtles --and your shadow shots are GREAT. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
...glad you enjoyed it Betsy.
DeleteHappy Sunday Annie...
ReplyDeleteI am thoroughly enjoying your pictures w your new camera.
Heading over to your bird site. Congratulations on finally seeing the Whooping Crane in the wild
Hugs C
...well, these photos are not from the new camera tho. LOL Hope you enjoy the Whooping Crane photos.
DeleteHello - just checking in and saying hello. So how far do you have to go to this place to get these wonderful photographs.
ReplyDelete...well now...hello backatcha Sandie.
DeleteThose look like some alien creatures there Anni. I always have like turtles and hope those do not get hunted out.
ReplyDelete...I can't understand sometimes the mentality of the state of Texas hunting laws. Guess I never will.
DeleteAnni,
ReplyDeleteI always love visiting with you. Love the turtles and the beautiful photos here. Hope all is well with you and Bud. We are finally moved and are now settling in. Come over to the Writing Nook if you have time and see our new place. I have "before" photos posted. Now I need to get rid of all the clutter to post the "after" ones.
Blessings,
Mary
Hi Mary...long time no see.
Deletegreat wildlife photos anni!!!
ReplyDelete...thanks Robin
DeleteLucky you! I've been wanting to see the gallinule ever since I read that we have them. Still waiting. You did great on the turtles. I can never seem to photograph them just right.
ReplyDelete...there are quite a few turtles here in this area, but this is the first I've seen of the soft shell ones.
DeleteInteresting post and pictures!!
ReplyDeleteJunie
...thanks Junie.
DeleteReally nice.
ReplyDelete...thanks Denise
Delete