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More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

wonderer
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

In my turtle-riding teaser post here, I shared one of the first times I observed this behavior in the Summer of 2020. Never having seen it before, I thought it was a one-off. However, throughout that summer and the next, I saw it repeatedly. It was not uncommon for the Painted turtles to climb up on the Snappers and ride around / bask. The Snappers seemed completely unfazed by it.

All pics taken with Sony a9, Sony 200-600 zoom; some with Sony 1.4 extender.

1. A different perspective of the teaser shot.

2. Yet another pairing (or was it?), the following summer.

3. And another...

4. Yada, yada...

5. And a two-fer!

Aug 19, 2023 at 07:53 AM

morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Great documentary work Kim

Morris

Aug 19, 2023 at 01:02 PM

RKnecht
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Neat shots. I don't think I have ever seen this type of behavior.

Aug 19, 2023 at 03:17 PM

wonderer
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

morris wrote:
Great documentary work Kim

Morris

Thank you, Morris. It was quite a surprise to see it once, let alone several times over a couple years.

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RKnecht wrote:
Neat shots. I don't think I have ever seen this type of behavior.

I hadn't either, Rich. Having seen it frequently over the course of a couple summers though, it made me wonder if it was unique to this pond or whether it's hit and miss--but mostly miss--over the wider geographic area.

Aug 24, 2023 at 03:31 AM

George Welch
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Wildlife always full of surprises. Nicely documented, Kim.

Cheers

George

Aug 24, 2023 at 04:00 AM

OwlsEyes
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

I really liked your first post as it made me smile... these are even better. I really that first shot Kim... it is beautifully unique. I wonder if it is the same snapper that seems to tolerate this behavior, as the snapping turtles near me seem to be a bit ornery

bruce

Aug 24, 2023 at 06:27 AM

Ted ellis
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Another fine set of piggy back turtle shots Kim.

Aug 24, 2023 at 06:29 AM

louie champan
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

What a unique set of images, nicely done Kim.

Aug 24, 2023 at 12:45 PM

wonderer
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

George Welch wrote:
Wildlife always full of surprises. Nicely documented, Kim.

Cheers

George

Thanks, and you're absolutely right, George! I'd never seen this before (or since).

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OwlsEyes wrote:
I really liked your first post as it made me smile... these are even better. I really that first shot Kim... it is beautifully unique. I wonder if it is the same snapper that seems to tolerate this behavior, as the snapping turtles near me seem to be a bit ornery

bruce

Thanks, Bruce. The setting was really was a wonderfully soothing shade of green, reflected in the water. There seemed to be at least a couple different turtles that we frequently used as "taxis. One had a "crink" in its face and the other a couple divots in the shell that were quite distinct. But others also cooperated. Interesting and unique behavior, for sure.

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Ted ellis wrote:
Another fine set of piggy back turtle shots Kim.

Thanks Ted--who knew turtles could have such interesting behavior??

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louie champan wrote:
What a unique set of images, nicely done Kim.

Thank you, Louie. It was my consolation prize for my other sites drying up on me, apparently.

Aug 27, 2023 at 03:42 AM

gcooke0522
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Nice images and very interesting set, Kim. Really enjoyed viewing these.

Gord

Aug 27, 2023 at 11:43 AM

Jim Dockery
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Fun set, thanks for sharing.

Aug 27, 2023 at 12:05 PM

Ronny Olsson
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Very fun set ! Love it

Ronny

Aug 27, 2023 at 12:16 PM

csinseattle
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

Kim,

That was quite a capture, sorry I almost missed it

Chris S.

Aug 31, 2023 at 12:57 AM

wonderer
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · More turtle "riders" (Painteds on Snappers)

gcooke0522 wrote:
Nice images and very interesting set, Kim. Really enjoyed viewing these.

Gord

Thanks Gord--makes me wonder how common it is. Who knew??
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Jim Dockery wrote:
Fun set, thanks for sharing.

My pleasure, thanks Jim.

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Ronny Olsson wrote:
Very fun set ! Love it

Ronny

Thanks Ronny--amazing what we see when we're patient enough to watch for the unexpected. Or those small details you share with us here...

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csinseattle wrote:
Kim,

That was quite a capture, sorry I almost missed it

No problem, Chris. Glad you did see it--nature keeps us on our toes, doesn't it?

Chris S.

Sep 01, 2023 at 09:06 AM


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