May 5, 2022: Birds and Turtles!
Snapping Turtle
Spring bird migration is in full swing. The House Wrens are singing their lovely tunes, and Catbirds are out there trying to imitate many other birds. Everyone is searching for a mate and nest material and getting ready to raise a family.
Eastern Painted Turtle
So, what does that have to do with turtles? Basically, the turtles are doing the same thing. Our resident turtles are emerging from the bottom of our small ponds. Many are traveling into the open waters of the lagoon and larger ponds, searching for a mate, and continuing the cycle. This means they must cross Chandler Drive and Mill Road.
Red-eared Slider
Recently, Hershey’s Mill Nature Group placed three new turtle crossing signs in the Springton pond area, two on Chandler and one on Mill approaching the three-way stop at the intersection. These are in addition to the existing signs located near the tennis courts. I’m hoping drivers will be aware and allow our turtles a little time to cross the road.
Northern Red-Bellied Cooter
Our most common native turtle is the Snapping Turtle, but many others reside here at Hershey’s Mill, including Painted Turtles, the non-native Red-Eared Slider and the threatened Northern Red-Bellied Cooter. The latter was discovered by residents and verified by PA at the Mill in 2020!
Happy Birding (& Turtle Watching)!