Sweet Cheeks

I was thrilled to find this beautiful little critter in the shallows as I searched for invasive plants in a sheltered cove. How adorable is this little sweet-cheeked face!

I was even happier that it didn't dive and swim away when I placed a frisbee beneath it and lifted it from the muck for closer observation.

This is a young Eastern Painted Turtle - those claws look pretty impressive! 

I got a good look a the serrations on its tail, too

I'm amazed at how the yellow spot on the face always fools me into thinking it's a menacing, bold eye, but its eyes are in front of that.