On my stretch break in-between painting sessions Thursday I walked around the main pond at Bonnet House, camera in-hand as always. Hugh, their widower Swan was in the grass grooming himself. Then the story began; see the turtle sticking his head out of the water. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Rising out of the water comes this Turtle, seeming to have his eye on Hugh, named for Hugh Taylor Birch, the father of the original owner of the Bonnet House. The home and property were a wedding gift to his daughter, Helen, and her new husband. Fredrick Clay Bartlett. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg

Hugh stopped grooming for a moment to watch the turtle waddle out of the water and towards him. I was unsure if they were friends or foe. Hugh was widowed when his wife, Helen,the female swan died a few years ago. Before her death they had numberous successful hatches; who were relocated because Swans are very territorial. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Neighbors for certain. Friend or foe, not so certain. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Physical contact made. No fight or warning seemed to happen so I am assuming they are friends or at least tolerant neighbors. At any rate it’s a very assertive turtle; his out head never retreated inside his shell. Watching this interaction was as much fun for me as painting. I’m a nature lover first and foremost. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg