We took Magnolia for her first herping trip on Sunday! It wasn't a banner day - no spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata), but there were a few peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) singing around, and so many painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) I can't imagine where they all are later in the summer.

I waded in and grabbed one (flooded one leg's wader). she had a major scar on her, a gash running above one of her hind legs.

Of course this is a terrifying experience for a turtle, especially the part where I shove her in a three-month-old's face (Magnolia seemed a little intimidated) but I did her the favor of clearing off the big family of leaches hanging out on her leg and plastron.