Sept. 11, 2016 - Frogs, Turtles, Moths

This Gray Tree Frog was resting on the balcony of a neighbor at our apartment building in Shoreview, MN. This small frog, 1¼ to 2 inches long, is common in Minnesota. It is usually found near a wetland and we do have a small pond behind our building.

FrogGrayTreeNete'sbalconySummerhouseShoreview20160808

Here’s another Gray Tree Frog. This species has the ability to change its color from gray to green so it can more closely match its surroundings. I took this photo at our home in northern Minnesota.

FrogGrayTreewindturbinefieldDunningLakeItascaCounty20160729

We have lots of Painted Turtles in our lake. During the day, they like to climb onto submerged tree limbs that stick out of the water. That allows them to soak up heat from the sun. This one looks like it’s at a pretty steep angle. Those back claws must be gripping the log tightly to keep it from slipping off.

TurtlePaintedDunningLakeItascaCounty20160813

We have one submerged log that sticks out far enough to accommodate a whole gang of turtles. What a life; sitting on a log, soaking up rays!

TurtlePaintedgroupDunningLakeItascaCounty20160819

Here’s a close-up photo of a Painted Turtle. Notice the long claws and the colorful patterns on its shell, legs, and neck.

TurtlePaintedDunningLakeItascaCounty20160729

I haven’t taken many butterfly photos this year but this Silver-spotted Skipper posed on a big rock in our yard and I couldn’t resist. Even though it’s fairly small (wingspan of 1¾ to 2 inches) it is the largest skipper in our area.

SkipperSilverspottedEpargyreusclarusDunningLakeItascaCounty20160605

Here’s a photo of the skipper from the top. Notice the spoon-shaped ends on its antenna. This is characteristic of the group of butterflies that are called skippers.

SkipperSilverspottedEpargyreusclarusDunningLakeItascaCounty20160605