rainy December

This year December was a weird month weather-wise.  The water level in the pond was lower every day, since we had no measurable snow this winter.  Then on the December 25th it rained all day long. The next day, the water level had gone up and the log was again in the pond.

new logs, floating in the pond

 

The painted turtle Chrysemys picta is a native in Minnesota and of North America.

Painted turtles are active only during the day; they are warmed by their surroundings on sunny days by basking for hours on logs or rocks.  On cloudy days or at night the turtle drops to the bottom of the pond.  Painted Turtles eat aquatic vegetation, algae, and small water creatures including insects and crustaceans.  They primarily feed while in water and are able to locate and subdue prey even in heavily clouded conditions.

cruising on a log

 Painted Turtles line up on the shore to soak up the sun.

The free-floating log in the pond is a wonderful chance for the turtles to take a cruise, even though everything is covered with algae.

2 turtles on log

 

logs in snow

The logs on the edge of the pond are partly submersed for the critters to use them in many ways spring, summer, and autumn  . . .   to watch for prey in the water below, to watch for dragonflies flying above, or merely take a nap in the sunshine.

This winter, after several snowstorms, the logs are all under an icy blanket.  Even the big rock, which we use to gauge the water level, is under snow.