Visited Juanita Park (Kirkland) today and observed what looks like three turtle species. Definitely Painted turtles (Chrysemmys picta) and Red-eared sliders (Pseudemys scripta). The 3rd species that we saw (several of them and on same log with the other 2 species) were about the size of the larger Red-eared sliders but all dark in coloration. The eyes were dark in color and no yellow line patterns on head/neck/legs as seen in the other 2 species. I am ruling out Western pond turtles (Clemmys marmota) since I think they had been extirpated from Lake Washington years ago.

I am wondering if old sliders lose their red neck markings ("ears") and yellow patterning???? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Today was a 4 class day: Amphibia (bull frog), Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia (muskrat) all in one view!


Eric Kowalczyk
Seattle

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Frodo: I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. .... And that is an encouraging thought.