Red-eared Sliders

They sound like they should be a spicey burger type but Red-eared Sliders are in fact these little turtles. They are invasive to Stanley Park from released pets. It is a really really bad thing to release any pet invasive or not into the wild so just be responsible and don't do it. At any rate Lost Lagoon is now home to lots of these guys. They disappear in the winter and come out in the spring and are very fun to see sunning themselves.  The trio below were charmingly lined up on a bit of exposed rock. All looking in the same direction they reminded me of famous trios such as The Three Tenors, The Three Muskateers and the Three Stooges.

The same rock but a pair. The one on the right is demonstrating Terrapin Tai Chi which is practiced only on sunny logs and rocks and combines Tai Chi with foot splaying stretches. This one is a long practisioner and he is demonstrating 'Green Turtle Cools Foot', an advanced pose which is held until the observer loses interest and wanders away.

Several weeks ago Geordie and I came across a balancing act. A turtle had crawled up and had precariously perched himself on this upjutting root of a fallen tree. Before the only contact the turtle had was his shell (perhaps another Terrapin Tai Chi pose). No camera on us though. Fortunately yesterday we had a camera (after we walked back and fetched one). This guy must be less advanced as he as that one foot on the tree.  Still he is has a very smug pleased expression and seem very happy as he performed a balancing act. This spot is hidden by the Nature house so keep an eye for it and you might be rewarded with this acrobat. How we got up there is a mystery as it seems high.