Fall Turtles

I have been studying the turtle populations of the Okanagan Valley since 2014. Normally I am finished with my fieldwork by this time of year however this year the turtles are out late. The daytime temperatures are still warm enough that the turtles are coming out to bask in large numbers. The warm temperatures this fall have affected the behavior of other wildlife as well such as the Stink Bugs which are staying around longer than usual and the salmon which are facing challenges with spawning. This is a good year for growing pumpkins and it is finally starting to look a bit like fall. The forecast for this week is warm and sunny and it looks like I will be doing at least another week of turtle surveys this season! Surely turtle season will be over by Halloween!?