Photo-Diary of a Terrapin Researcher Don Lewis, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Fox Island Wildlife Management Area

Looking Back, Looking Forward —18 February 2001

The terrapin field researcher faces a life of endless challenge.  Hours spent in stuffy work clothes, cramped office conditions without even the simple convenience of a chair to lighten the load, total reliance on private conveyance with no public transit available, and not the barest shelter from warming sunshine and cooling bay breeze.  Alas, a lonely, rugged life where a rock is your desk and the beach becomes your home.

Yet, you can’t beat the company.  Whether human or terrapin, only the friendliest, most photogenic and curious join the party.

And, in the world of terrapin research, life is a beach.  Although for some, I guess, they’d just rather be sailing.

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