We went for a local cycle this morning, first along the Bay of Quinte (the trail is still flooded) and then up the Moira River to the 401. Along the way we saw half a dozen blue herons, ospreys, frogs, rabbits, a fox, and a mess of turtles.
One of those turtles was in danger of becoming a mess of road kill as it made its way across a busy Highway 2. We realized that drivers were narrowly avoiding it so we stopped and I walked into the intersection with helmet on and lights ablazing. Another passerby saw what I was up to, so he headed for the turtle while I made like Moses, addressing traffic. Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the river, thanks to the guy with a big grin and hardly any teeth. Someone rolled down his window and called out thanks, then we were on our way.
As we got closer to home I noticed a snapping turtle attempting to lay her eggs in an abandoned lot, and it looked like she'd made a few unsuccessful attempts at getting through the rubble. They may be slow, but they are eternal optimists.
We human residents have certainly made survival for these other ancient creatures of Turtle Island a challenge. Nearly all the turtle species of the province are in decline, so it matters to help even one fulfill its goal of procreation. The Earth is the Lord's, and all that's in it, including turtles.
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