I hate fighting screens in order to take photos

Every time there is something of interest outside and I don't have a great way to photograph the thing, I always have to fight a window screen in order to get proof that it happened. 

Case in point: when I am trying to capture various wildlife outside of my condo, whether it's a bird, snake or rabbit in the back yard; or, as in the newest incident, it's a small turtle outside my bedroom window, eating the semi dying plants.

Yes, I happened to look out my window yesterday and saw what I think is a "Florida Cooter Turtle" (hehe.. I said "cooter"). According to the Internet and various searching, the thing I saw online, really looks like that's what has been seeing around the community. Last time I took photos of a turtle, it may ve been a Cooter as well. Just well mossed over. 

One of the websites I found information on, is Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. I'm still a little confused, but it really looks like this is what I've been seeing. If anyone knows how to read the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), I found information there as well. There are so many other sites, I'm sure this yellow striped reptile is correct. 

Using my handy dandy (but currently offered either as a bundle from a third party or certified refurbished on Amazon) Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera with Canon EF 75-300mm zoom lens, I was able to take some shots of the turtle while he escaped the heat and ate some food. 

Again, they're not the best because I was trying to capture him through my window and not have to go outside and disturb him. Plus, if I was on the walkway, I'd be photographing him from behind, so all you would see would be his butt. 

I don't think anyone wants to see that. 

Plus, had I walked out and over to him, he would have shelled up and I wouldn't have gotten his face, neck or legs in the photo. I would only have gotten the shell. 

I could have popped out my screen and taken the photos, but I honestly didn't want to disturb him. He was minding his own business and although I know how to push the screen back in (from the outside. Luckily we're on the first floor), I don't like doing that. 

It took me one time to realize the screen was already not sitting correctly when I tried fixing it and it fell out. Panic set in and I was able to put it back.

Therefore, it's not the greatest ideas to keep attempting to take it out, especially when it's not really warranted (examples would be if we were on the second floor and needing to close our shutters due to a hurricane).

As this would be one of the times I didn't want to tempt the fates in trying to get it back in, I really didn't want to have to go out and walk in the path of the turtle, which in turn would be interrupting his snack time. It would then defeat the purpose of not having gone out to begin with. 

It's a vicious cycle, for what benefit?

Not mine, not his, not yours. Just have some respect and courtesy. I am sure he didn't mind the photo op as he ate, but at what point do you call it a day and let him alone?

After about 40 pictures and two attempts at making a video. I wasn't using a tripod or stabilizer, so the camera kept shaking as I was trying to take the video. Which is why I'm only mentioning it and not uploading it. They're both only 30 seconds or so, but shaky as hell. The lens is too heavy to hold up and not have any movement. 

There's a reason I don't do video work professionally, and also without backup. 

Too many years of creating motion pictures and the visuals come out looking like I had a seizure because I didn't use any type of tripod on the camera. 

Video is one of those beasts where you can't be thinking that you're still when you're not. You're bound to have the shakes at some point. 

Anyway, I hope the turtle comes back. If he does, I'll try to get a photo or two (or 20) outside. Maybe those will be better. 

Until then, keep munching away on the flora and fauna.

Cheers;