When I approached the pond, even from a distance the turtles saw me and leaped into the water, or went into alert mode. They are amazingly fast when it comes to escape into water.

I moved slowly, and made myself comfortable on the grassy bank. Note to self: next time bring elbow cushioning materials. The grass and pebbles get a little uncomfortable after half an hour.

The turtles gradually returned. If I so much as moved my head suddenly, there was a general dive-and-submerge action. I practiced moving very slowly when resting my wrists, or not at all.

I went for an evening walk. It was a beautiful spring evening, and I headed for a nearby pond.

I looked over to my right, and saw something rippling across the pond.

It was a beaver.

He ended up swimming straight at me, probably curious about this unmoving figure on the shore (a strange new tree?), until he was within six feet of me and I said, “That’s too close!” in a startled voice, and he dived and disappeared from view.

Then I walked home, satisfied.

Wood Frog.

Northern Leopard frog, and its eggs.