Turtles of Cape Cod Field School 2010: Day Three

Fun in the Run

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Female Diamondback Terrapin Netted in the Run

The third morning of field school begins with a search for diamondback terrapins in the Run … the estuary  between Lieutenant Island to the north and the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to the south.  When low tide drains the estuary, terrapins are forced to flow with the tide into Wellfleet Bay.  As the tide turns, turtles begin to head back into the shallow estuary, affording an opportunity for researchers to net them in relatively clear water.

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Low Tide Drained Tidal Flats in the Run

Participants gathered on the low tide drained tidal flats for last minute instructions.  Sue Wieber Nourse led the water search for turtles while Don Lewis and Barbara Brennessel set up a processing and documenting station on the flats.

Out in the Run to Net Diamondback Terrapins

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Nets at the Ready, The Game’s A-Foot!

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Matt (Left) Nets a Male; John Snags a Female

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Blown Away by Her Perfect Male Catch

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Takes a Big Net to Catch a Small, Fast Turtle

Meet Your Local Reptiles

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Bob Prescott Admires This “Golden” Male Terrapin

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Turtle Journal Catches the Action

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Janet and Male Terrapin Go “Eye-to-Eye”

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Ann Examines Female Terrapin While Male Gets Photoed

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Recaptured Headstart Female Creates Sensation

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John Snaps a Male Terrapin in Motion

Lunch Break

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Terrapin: Algonquin Word for “Edible Turtle”

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