(Snapping Turtle - photo by Neil Barker - June 16, 2024)
A muddy lake contains many secrets and hidden treasures.
Ripples reveal a deep presence moving below the surface.
What does the surface conceal and what does the surface reveal?
I took this photo on June 16, 2024. I was about a third of my way through my morning hike and had stopped to look out on Mud Lake at Britannia Conservation Area.
I noticed some ripples in the water and the lily pads being moved from below. I was fortunate to see this Snapping Turtle briefly surface. The turtle surfaced for a few seconds and then dove back down into the muddy water.
Snapping Turtles are common at Mud Lake. I have included some of my previous posts on Snapping Turtles:
Finding a turtle poking their head out of the water feels like a subtle invitation into a rich daily life. How many times have we walked by without noticing? Noticed or not, the turtle is there. How else does it pass 24 hours? There is so much we aren’t part of.
Wonderful post, Neil. The photo is picture perfect with the reflection. It draws the viewer in for a closer look! Lovely poem and field note.:)