We took a break from Bald Eagles to bring you…TURTLE YOGA!!
The U.S. is a global hotspot for turtle biodiversity, with more than 60 known turtle species recorded here. This turtle Yogi is a Ouachita Map Turtle based on its very wide eyebrow bars, chin spots, and the black knobs on its carapace. It had a lot of company: we counted 16 turtles of various species basking and stretching on our photo snag yesterday! It’s a great time to watch turtles, gulls, cormorants, terns, and sunrises and sunsets on our Mississippi Flyway Cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/flyway-cam/
What is this turtle really doing? Turtles are ectothermic (what we used to call cold-blooded), which means they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. So if it wants to warm up, it needs to bask in the sun! Heat radiates from its dark shell into its body and it gains additional heat by stretching out and flattening its legs and feet. It’s most likely shaking and stretching its front legs to get water out of the folds, tucks, and crevices in its skin: areas that collect water and take a little work to dry out. Namaste, turtle friends!
So where are the US hotspots for turtle diversity? Southeast US Bald Eagle fans, stand up…you are the turtle champions! Especially rich spots include the Sabine River (eastern Texas/Western Louisiana), the Mobile River (Alabama), and the Chattahoochie River (eastern Mississippi/Western Alabama). Here’s a map link: http://bit.ly/3Y2uh5V. Figure A includes all turtles.
The Raptor Resource Project