It's unusual to see Eastern Box Turtles out in the open so late in the summer but this guy made a surprise visit this morning.  The turtles are not typically seen once the late May, early June mating season passes.   I was surprised not only by the unexpected appearance of this handsome male, but also by the fact that I've never seen this particular turtle. Past turtle encounters have always been the same individuals year after year.  Initially, I thought it was "Dent", the faithful male who appears annually to mate with the girls known as Chip, Three Legs and Old Lady but closer inspection revealed a perfect undamaged shell.   (Dent has a damaged shell due to an unknown injury). This one will be known as Schnoz going forward.  Schnoz stayed around just long enough for a few quick profile shots before disappearing into the weeds.  

Eastern Box TurtleMale Eastern Box Turtle photographed in Killingly, CT.