Crypticat's Animal Friends

Finally made it out golfing this weekend and the flora and fauna were almost as good as the game. It was great to be out enjoying nature and even better to play golf. The first picture is of a Northern Leopard frog, the course was very wet and I noticed this little fellow hopping around. Always glad to see frogs as they mean there is a healthy ecosystem- this one looked like a fine specimen. Probably better that Crypticat wasn't around as it would have made a tasty snack.

There were plenty of chipmunks and squirrels out on the course. We actually went to two different golf courses in the Kawartha's this weekend, one was a nine-hole, the other 18. If you're ever in the area I highly recommend both Eagenridge and especially 6 Foot Bay. Excuse the next couple of photos they are screenshots from a video, my photographer is still processing the stills.

When I mentioned there was water on the course, I meant the grass was wet. One of the courses was so wet, we weren't allowed to drive- not that I mind walking it's just fun taking the kart out sometimes and my official photographer doesn't golf 😸 The Swan below wasn't found on a golf course, I saw it during a walk down by the river in Oakville, Ontario.

This family of Canadian geese were photographed in Bobcaygeon, Ontario at the heart of the Kawartha's. Normally we wouldn't snap a picture of these pests but their ducklings are quite cute. Crypticat wouldn't stand a chance against those; geese are pretty nasty and go straight for you if there is no water to dive into.

There were many turtles in the ponds on the golf course. This turtle was large for a turtle in Ontario Canada, I am not even sure what type it was, it was about a 14 inches long, or 35cm. These turtles are very shy and were just plain black, I didn't get a look beneath it because it just slid into the pond. Many turtles are endangered species and it's always a good sign to see them around.

This next turtle was found crossing the road, I stopped the car to help it out but luckily someone else stopped on the other side and got there first. Not the best photo but I have an excellent video of this Snapping turtle almost getting the man who was nice enough to help it cross the road. They aren't very grateful creatures but they've been on this planet for hundreds of millions of years and shouldn't have to thank anyone. I don't think it would make a good friend for Crypticat they are dangerous and are much faster than you would think-exercise caution when assisting a snapping turtle. They grow quite big and can snap off a finger in a split second.

The turtle walking away is a suitable end to this blog. There were many beautiful birds and other animals on the course we weren't able to photograph. I look forward to a summer filled with golf, nature and seeing wild animals. Thank you for reading this post.