I spotted a tiny Painted Turtle on the road leading into Moraine Hill State Park. I pulled over and picked it up to save it from being crushed and to get its picture in the chair. It was tucked back into its shell, so I put it on the seat next to me and drove to the parking lot. I pulled out the chair, my camera and the turtle and set up for the shot.
As I was waiting for it to come out of its shell more, a guy walked by. He said, “You’re taking a picture of a turtle on a chair?”
I said, “Yep, I am.”
He watched for a minute or so, then said, “What are you waiting for?”
I said, “I’m waiting for it to come out of its shell.”
He said, “I think I can help with that.” He walked over and picked up the turtle.
He tipped the turtle this way and that while explaining to me that he regularly finds them along the road and likes to show them to kids, who love them. After several attempts, he did something that got my turtle out of its shell and flailing. He put it down on the chair and it took off for the edge and tumbled into the grass. I thanked him and asked him if he wanted to release the turtle. He said he’d look for some kids to show it to first.
I watched as he walked down along the river. He didn’t find any kids, and he did let the turtle go in the water, so all ended well for all concerned.
October 9th is National Shake a Turtle Day.