Musk turtle

Today I went on a much needed glorious hike with my side kick. There were lots of beaver sign all around the pond. A blue-gray gnatcatcher was the only new migrant. There is a pair of geese nesting. I watched a couple of ribbon snakes in and around the pond. Dozens of painted turtles were sunning on all the fallen trees. Next to the main turtle log, in a tree  that hangs over the water was a musk turtle!  What a cool discovery. I had read that they do sun in low trees, and now I know it's true. My head and heart feel much renewed after this wonderful spring day.