This Blanding's Turtle was in our yard, about 1/4 mile from Long's lake, on June 24, 1997.
It had crossed 2 roads to find us.

What was she doing so far from water? 
Laying her eggs!  We discovered the hatchlings in early September.

Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi)

Bright yellow chin and throat quickly identify basking specimens.
Smooth helmet-shaped carapace is black with profusion of irregularly shaped radiating spots and vermiculations.
The head is flat with protruding eyes and a long neck.

Mama Turtle

Baby Turtle

The hinged plastron is yellow with large black blotches symmetrically arranged.
Size: 5 - 10.5 inches

Material Referenced: The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles & Amphibians