[TN-Bird] Response to non-bird sighting at Radnor Lake

Greetings,
While it would be exciting news, it is extremely unlikely that the mating 
turtles at Radnor Lake were alligator snapping turtles. While Alligator 
Snapping Turtles have been documented in the Central Basin, the records are 
very old and there are only 2 of them. Most present day distribution records 
occur in west Tennessee. This animal is also listed by the State of Tennessee 
as 'In Need of Management'. Please visit the Atlas of Reptiles in Tennessee for 
more information:
 
http://apsu.edu/reptatlas/index.htm
 
The Common Snapping Turtle is found statewide and can get quite large in size. 
An average adult may weigh as much as 35 lbs - 75 lbs. The record is 86 lbs. 
Also the habitat described is typical for the common snapping turtle and would 
be extremely abnormal for an alligator snapping turtle. 
 
It is such a common and widespread misconception that any very large turtle in 
Tennessee is an Alligator Snapping Turtle, that I felt I needed to respond to 
this list sighting. I would also be happy to examine any photos to confirm the 
correct identification of any reptile or amphibian you have pictured.
Regards,
Lisa Powers, 
Froghaven Farm, Hickman County
 
 
From: JanKShaw@xxxxxxx
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:04:10 EDT
Subject: [TN-Bird] Purple Martins at Radnor Lake, Davidson Co.

3-15-09
Radnor Lake
Davidson Co.

I saw my first of season Purple Martins (2 males) at Radnor this  morning.  
The kingfishers are also back from wherever they go during the  winter.  I also 
witnessed the mating of two huge alligator snapping turtles  in one of the 
smaller ponds there.

Jan Shaw
Nashville, TN


        hasEML = false;
    


    



    


 
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