Sunday, August 3, 2008

Giant Reptiles In The Lake

USM's lakes are home to many reptiles. I've posted numerous pictures of monitor lizards and turtles. The water monitors are a common sight, basking on the bank.

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However there's also another type of large reptile in the lake. I've seen large shadowy shapes in the water but I've never seen it emerge from the depths until now. I was determined to catch them on camera; they were my own personal Loch Ness monster. Elusive and shy, I finally got a glimpse on Saturday. They are huge turtles.

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See, it's smiling to the camera, as if it's saying "why so serious?". I couldn't get a full shot because I had my zoom lens attached, and by the time I unscrewed the lens the turtle had disappeared. I don't know how people with DSLRs take nature photos with equipment even more cumbersome than my compact. Fiddling with things just makes you lose the shot.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do believe your monster is the Chinese softshell (Pelodiscus sinensis). You were right, it is non-native. You can look up images to be sure

Unknown said...

awwww!!! I'm jealous.