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Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
June 2, 2008
SNAPPING TURTLE: Laying eggs and more (video)
Snapping turtles have been using my yard for years to lay their eggs.
This past year, my wife ripped out the front lawn and roto-tilled an area for a wild-flower garden, 
and the female snapping turtles think it’s a great place to deposit eggs.
So far, at least five female snapping turtles have trashed sections of the would-be garden to lay their eggs by the dozen — including one on Saturday morning and at least one Sunday.
I know what you may be thinking — just what we need, more snapping turtles at the Celery Farm. In fact, almost all these eggs will become omelets for raccoons.
At the start of the video — best played with the sound on — the area is pristine. Then I cut to Mama Turtle and zoom in as she lays an egg. I show that again, and then a third time — in slow motion.
Think of those televised lottery drawings, with Ping-Pong balls shooting out.
I also have footage of a weekend snapping turtle heading back to the Celery Farm.
The video is 2 minutes long, and action-packed — as far as turtle videos go.
Don’t be scared. Keep telling yourself: It’s only a movie.
More on snapping turtles here.
7 comments
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Sorry — I often miss comments. Better late than never, just e-mail me at wrightjamesb (at) gmail.com
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Yes, by all means.
Jim -
I love your turtle videos. I am an outdoor educator for a conservation authority in Ontario, Canada and would be interested in having permission to use these videos for an educational presentation on turtles. Is this possible?Thanks for your consideration.
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Hello,
I am a wildlife researcher studying turtle nesting migrations. I would be interested in additional information on your observations. I would appreciate it if you contacted me.
Thanks,
Dave -
VERY cool! Thanks for sharing!
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I loved the video! I also now see how “graceful” I look as I climb over fences. I understand her struggle and applaud her victory!
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Great performance! Right in front of the camera!
Great cinematography and music for the drama!
Leave your comment
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7 comments
Jim Wright
Sorry — I often miss comments. Better late than never, just e-mail me at wrightjamesb (at) gmail.com
Jim Wright
Yes, by all means.
Jim
Julie Stellingwerff
I love your turtle videos. I am an outdoor educator for a conservation authority in Ontario, Canada and would be interested in having permission to use these videos for an educational presentation on turtles. Is this possible?Thanks for your consideration.
Dave
Hello,
I am a wildlife researcher studying turtle nesting migrations. I would be interested in additional information on your observations. I would appreciate it if you contacted me.
Thanks,
Dave
Sherry
VERY cool! Thanks for sharing!
Carol Dickman
I loved the video! I also now see how “graceful” I look as I climb over fences. I understand her struggle and applaud her victory!
Deedee Burnside
Great performance! Right in front of the camera!
Great cinematography and music for the drama!