When I photograph small creatures, I often try to position myself so I can look right into their eyes. I like face-to-face images because they feel very personal. One of the most important catalysts of conservation is the personal connection people feel with nature and the species we share the planet with. It’s one thing to see a caterpillar from a distance, but when you look into its eyes… well, they’re just so darn cute! It’s a lot harder to step on something or plow up its habitat once you’ve met it face to face.
One of the most charismatic species I know is the snapping turtle. It’s not hard to photograph a snapper in way that evokes personality and character. Here’s a photo of a small snapping turtle we found earlier this year while exploring one of restored wetlands. We picked it up for just a minute to examine it more closely. Before I set it down, I took this portrait.
A small snapping turtle. The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies.
In case you missed it a few years ago, here is a link to a previous post about a snapping turtle that was causing consternation among the cattle at our family prairie. That one had some character as well…
On a somewhat related topic, I’m starting to put together my annual “Best Of” slide show of photos from 2014, just as I did in 2013 and 2012. If there are any photos from this year’s posts you want to lobby for, feel free to do so in the comments section of this post. Otherwise, I’ll just choose my personal favorites.
The Prairie Ecologist 
Hello Chris. Always enjoy your posts and I did look back to the old post with the disturbed black angus cattle. That breed may also be one of the most curious bunch of cows. I was visiting a old fellow in western Montana who liked to play the bagpipes. (Of course you cannot play those indoors unless you are alone) Well he usually went outside and after several minutes I looked outside to hear him play, but this time he had a very large audience of all black angus cattle probably 30 of them who came from all over the large pasture to stand shoulder to shoulder, ear straight up and leaning forward to listen to this guy play the bagpipes. They were not agitated. They were FANS!
I (heart) turtles! Love this photo, Chris; very snappy.
http://news.discovery.com/autos/drive/study-finds-6-percent-of-drivers-go-out-of-their-way-to-run-over-animals.htm
I wonder how Nebraskan’s would compare with the above results. I hope they would meet or surpass Oklahomans.
Some favorites from the past include that Chinese mantis eating a caterpillar, a very colorful grasshopper, close-up of sandhill crane feathers, water drops on vegetation, snakes, Konza prairie photos – so many good ones.
Another great post and I thank you. I personally vote for any of the bees on sunflowers photos. I love that set. Thank you.