Weekly Wildlife at the Garden: Snapping Up Some Sun

Posted in Wildlife on October 26 2016, by Patricia Gonzalez

Patricia Gonzalez is an NYBG Visitor Services Attendant and avid wildlife photographer.

I was visiting the Garden on my day off and decided to check out the Native Plant Garden, which is now a major wildlife hotspot. I had just walked in when I noticed this large common snapping turtle getting a suntan. I wanted to move in closer and found a perfect spot. Unfortunately, the wind kept blowing the flowers between me and my new friend, making it very hard to keep him in focus.

I dared not move in any closer, which would have resulted in the snapper dropping into the water. I just kept on shooting for about two minutes until I got an opening. He was later joined by a red-eared slider. They were soon sharing the deck, making for a very interesting video.

A common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in the Native Plant Garden – Photo by Patricia Gonzalez