We started this week by getting see the full cycle of Blanding’s conservation. Before headstarts are released as adorable baby turtles, they are first eggs that need to be carefully kept in temperature-controlled incubators. Sam and I had the opportunity to go to a local wildlife center that works with Lake County to incubate the turtles until they hatch. As two vet students who are involved in wildlife rescue at the University of Illinois, we were very excited to see another wildlife center and learn about their role in the protection of Blanding’s.
Speaking of wildlife, this week Sam got an emergency call from one of our technicians. In the field, he had spotted an obviously injured goose. Sam and I were already working in the lab so we quickly made arrangements to meet back in the field to get the goose. In no time at all Sam caught the injured goose and we were able to get it to a wildlife hospital. You can catch a small (terrible quality, sorry!) clip in our vlog.
Of course, we also spent this week checking traps and tracking turtles. Tracking is difficult! I was determined to track on my own this week. Sam took a hands-off approach, giving me gentle suggestions while I was basically walking around in a huge circle. Soon we realized my circling was due to the fact that the turtle I was tracking, Brandy, was swimming in the marsh successfully avoiding us. While looking for Brandy, I happened to catch my first hand capture, Carl! He was swimming in the same marsh as Brandy, and I was very excited to catch my first moving turtle. After a quick work up on Carl, who we had not caught in a few years, we swiftly found Brandy. With all the excitement we didn’t get too much footage, but you can check out some clips below.
In this week’s vlog we ask if you have any questions for us about our research. If you do, you can send them to lcb.turtle@gmail.com and we will answer them soon. For now, enjoy vlog 6:
