Don Lewis Examines Male Diamondback Terrapin in Blackfish Creek
 A southwest breeze bathed the Land of Ooze with refreshing warmth. Blue skies and lazy clouds painted Wellfleet Bay in springtime hues. Still, few turtles have emerged from brumation. But with a string of 70°F days in the immediate forecast, it’s only a matter of time. One hazard surprised me as I waded the creek. So many pairs of mating horseshoe crabs have gathered in the low tide rip that it has converted the rapids into a virtual minefield.
Eight-Year-Old Male Terrapin #1052Â Floats through Rip
Two male terrapins floated through the rip this morning. Number 1052 came first; an 8-year-old with perfectly pristine carapace and plastron, he tipped the scales at 222 grams and stretched to 11 centimeters long.
Male Terrapin #1047 Swims through Blackfish Creek Rip
A few minutes later a repeat customer swam into view. Terrapin 1047, you may recall, was first observed a week ago on 23 April in the first group of turtles seen active in 2001 (see Firsts — 23 April 2001). In the last week, he seems to have warmed up a lot and has become quite active and aggressive.
Male Diamondback Terrapin #1047
He lost 4 grams in weight with his shell peeling off its winter covering.