I have started taking a simple point and shoot Canon PowerShot SX120 IS on my backpack for my commute rides as I am often frustrated by the wildlife I see on my rides but my iPhone just will not capture the image. I would love to have my usual camera with me all the time but I am worried about damaging it when I am riding along some of the rough trails. I was glad I am carrying the point and shoot camera because riding to work this morning I saw an Eastern Snake-necked Turtle between Yarralumla Creek and the Curtin playing fields. I noticed this turtle had crawled onto the grass between the creek and the bike path. It seemed determined to cross the path. I accidentally spooked it taking photos, so it pulled its head into is shell, photo one, but became accustomed to my and other people's presence. I left it near the bike path to continue on to work, not knowing what it was doing. On the way home this afternoon, I was worried I would see it injured or dead on the bike path. Instead, I saw it was across the bike path, about two metres west of it, digging in the grass, photos four to six. I am guessing it was a female getting ready to lay eggs. I was surprised to see it doing so in the daytime in such an open area.
The female Eastern Snake-necked Turtle probably digging a hole to lay her eggs
