I was thrilled to find this beautiful little critter, a native Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) in the shallows as I searched for invasive plants in a sheltered cove.
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It didn't dive and swim away when I placed a frisbee beneath it and lifted it from the muck for closer observation. They feed on aquatic plants and algae, as well as insects, small fish and crustaceans in slow moving waters in North America.
How adorable is this little sweet-cheeked face?
The claws look pretty impressive, even for a young one. I got a good look at the serrations on its tail, too
I'm amazed at how a quick glance at the yellow spot on the face kept fooling me into thinking it was a menacing, bold eye, but its eyes are in front of that.
