Waving Turtles

Do you ever see turtles that appear to be waving at you? Or at least that's what it looks like in a picture, though there wasn't really much movement to the wave? Given that turtles are somewhat fearful of us and they probably haven't studied anthropological greetings, you can assume they're not just being friendly. 

Presumably this is done to increase sun exposure. Turtles are out in the open basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature, and having a leg in the shade of their shell doesn't help the process. By sticking limbs out away from their body, they can warm themselves up a little faster.

But just in case they were trying to be friendly, it wouldn't hurt to wave back. 😀

March 21, 2022 at Duke Island Park


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