The turtle and the dove

I watched the turtle dove in this photo as it landed at the edge of a pond covered in thin ice.

The dove walked on the ice, searching for a spot where it could gently shove its beak through and drink. I was surprised at the dove's ability to do this.

While quietly snapping photos of the ingenious dove, I noticed a water turtle moving very slowly on the icy bank between the dove and me.

Recognizing the turtle's shell was dry, I realized it had been out on the ice for at least several minutes.

The activity of the turtle and the dove occurred on a sunny winter afternoon when the air temperature had risen slightly above freezing.

The dove drank and flew away. I did not disturb the turtle because it appeared to be basking in the bright sun, as some water turtles do.

I believe the turtle was a common red-eared slider. Nature does not always behave as we expect.