and being ignored.
Recently we returned to Green Spring Gardens to walk around the ponds. We were surprised to see the green algae covering the first pond, but the turtles were out and about.
I have seen the stretched-out leg pose several other times. I read that it is how they regulate their body temperature and absorb essential nutrients from the sun. It's called basking, where a turtle climbs out of the water onto a log or rock to soak up heat and light. It has been called 'turtle yoga'.
By spreading their legs and widening their feet, turtles increase the amount of skin exposed to the sun, allowing them to absorb heat more quickly and efficiently. Sunlight also provides vital UVB rays that help turtles produce Vitamin D3. It is necessary for them to process calcium, which maintains a strong and healthy shell.
As ectotherms (cold-blooded animals), turtles rely on external heat to fuel their metabolism, support their immune system, and aid in digestion. Stretching helps the turtle's skin and shell dry completely, which is necessary for proper shedding and helps eliminate external parasites. When a turtle feels safe and comfortable in its environment, it will "sploot" or fully extend its limbs as a sign of complete relaxation.
I am very thankful to be able to find all this information online. I have always enjoyed seeing turtles my whole life, another wonderful part of nature.
I am wondering how green algae affects them? I will be finding out about that soon and in the meantime, if any of you have any knowledge of such things, I would be very happy if you care to share.
Thanks for looking and
I hope your day is a great one.
This is interesting! And it really does look like Yoga!! Or else they are warming up for a sprint.
ReplyDeleteNow that gave me a smile. I can just see them sprinting across that algae ‘lawn” :)
DeleteWhat an interesting post about these aquatic turtles—and those photos! It really looks like they're doing yoga...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I only read that the green algae on their shells doesn't bother them, and that they actually eat algae—but I couldn't find anything about whether having *too much* of it causes any problems.
Have a wonderful day! Hugs, Elke
I am very happy you enjoyed seeing them Elke :) Thank you very much for finding out that information. You have a wonderful day also.
DeleteI learned something new about turtles today. It does look like they are doing yoga. I've never actually seen one do that before. Very interesting
ReplyDeleteGlad you found it so Ann. I always find it fascinating learning about these things :)
Deletewow..that's just so interesting! Thank you for sharing it, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, and you are very welcome :)
DeleteInteresting about the leg. I wonder if our trail turtle is out yet or if it has moved on.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, let me know if you see your turtle please. I always have fun seeing them in others photos :)
DeleteI learned something today. Thank you friend. Love and hugs. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteHello Regine, happy you enjoyed my friend. Love and hugs, Denise :)
DeleteYou shared information today that I was not aware of.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I am always happy to pass on things that interest me :)
DeleteThat is so very interesting. I knew they needed sunlight, but not how they maximised their exposure to it.
ReplyDeleteHappy you thought so Janice, thank you :)
DeleteI loved that. Never heard of basking or turtle yoga (lol) before, but I have seen it. Now I know why.
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to find these things out and share. Thanks Sandie :)
DeleteNice photo and oh to be that agile...but thankfully not that green
ReplyDeleteMOL MOL
Hugs cecilia
It really is amazing the amount of information we have at our fingertips. Fun info with the great photos to go along...
ReplyDeleteI know next to nothing about turtles. I do know that they creep across highways at a slow rate of speed. I always root for them to make it to the other side.
ReplyDeleteThere is something so relaxing about turtles, their seemingly unhurried ways, and I'm always excited when I spot one. Seems that like most things in life, a little algae is fine but a lot can be toxic and prevent them from soaking in the rays. :)
ReplyDeleteAn interesting read Denise and I did enjoy the photographs.
ReplyDeleteI did find an article from the U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms which you may like to read here :-
https://hab.whoi.edu/impacts/impacts-wildlife/turtles/
All the best Jan
Very interesting and a good question you posed.
ReplyDeleteawesome captures of the turtles...i have been seeing mine in the lakes i visit!! interesting information!!
ReplyDeleteI love these turtles. I bet they're happy enjoying the sun. I haven't ever seen a turtle with his back legs stretched out so much. He looks comfy.
ReplyDeleteI liked this post. We have no turtles here so they are interesting to us.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about any of this! Thank you dor sharing.
ReplyDeleteMr and Mrs duck seems to be doing that also. they bathe in the pool, preen and then stand on one leg with the other stretched out, they dry themselves in the sun, and seek shade the rest of the time. when they lay in the dirt for hours in shady black sand they take a 20 minute bathing routine that is fun to watch, these are super turtle pic and I had no idea of any of this
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. :-D
ReplyDeleteFascinating, Denise. I've never seen that post on a turtle, though I have on geese!
ReplyDeleteThere are turtles here that have likely come out of hibernation in an area pond.
ReplyDeleteFascinating to watch turtle yoga. Hope they managed to catch plenty of rays.
ReplyDelete