It’s hard to remember what we noticed first. The ground, rumbling and shaking like they’d relocated the old Flagler RR track, and the 5:03 was On
Time but experiencing technical difficulties right in our own back yard? Or was it the subtler (but unmistakable) swishing of St. Augustine grass as it was ripped from the sandy earth by reptilian beaks powered by prehistoric muscle and instinct? None of that mattered as we raced outside to witness a rare, and highly entertaining annual event in these parts: The Parade of the Gopher Tortoises. So maybe it WAS only 2 this time. Sure sounded like more to our Wildlife-Alerted ears.
12-incher, cleared for take-off on CAT 2!
These critters, whose burrows (reaching 10-20 feet long, and wide enough for them, of course…) provide living quarters for dozens of different species of animals (when the Tortoises have moved on to their next burrows, which they do frequently), have earned protected status in scores of states, and are an animal of special interest here in FL.
They’ve certainly earned our special interest, and we were glad that we didn’t have to help these two cross the highway (a protective gesture that you’ll see often enough when you visit during Tortoise Travel Season. They were gone in a flash, about the time it takes to read The Economist. But after all, they ARE Tortoises.
An 18-inch tortoise? Here in MY yard?! Where?
Oh. THAT one. Thought it was a Vee-Dub...
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October 23, 2010 at 6:10 am
Jen
Me: “Emma and William – look at what Poppy and Nonnie saw in their backyard!”
Emma: “A HUGE mommy turtle? That is HUMONGOUS!”
William: “DOG DOG!!”
Very cool – we have to go down to the Zoo to see anything like that and you guys just have to look out your window! xoxo
October 23, 2010 at 8:38 am
captaink2
Jen, you are fabulous! Just to let me know that you peeked at my cheesey rag is enough to make me smile for a week, but when you add comments from Emma and Will, make it at least a whole month! Josey, of course, snapped just once at the shell of the big one, and probably hurt her mouth (no blood, though, whew) so after that she was more like, “turtle, WHAT turtle? And why would I care, anyway…?” hence her disdainful stance in that one picture.
Hugs to everybody you can catch… Love, Dad
November 1, 2010 at 10:18 am
linds
The Eapster, on the other hand, thinks Josie is a bunny. “Hello bunny rabbit!” he keeps saying.
November 1, 2010 at 1:21 pm
captaink2
Limbz! We’re only too happy to continue efforts to spread confusion over proper animal ID all around the world…But SO glad you and the Eapster honor us with your presence! Our bunnies, here in FL, all say “woof woof woof” when they’re in pursuit of Gopher Tortoises anyway, so young Eric’s not so far off the mark. Talking already, huh? Have his own blog by spring, probably….Love you!