Snakes Alive!

My much anticipated Big Adventure occurred this morning when I met two of my nature friends, one of whom knew of a top secret location where we might see Northern Copperhead snakes. And we saw not one, but two!  For two of us, it was a first-time sighting of this reclusive and threatened species. What a thrill.  We used long lenses and had to shoot around all kinds of grass and plant matter, but you don't want to be messing with venomous snakes, nor do you want to stress out such a beautiful creature.  We were able to be within about 5 feet, which allowed for some reasonably good shots while the snakes remained motionless.

Northern Copperheads are one of only two venomous snakes in New Jersey, the other being the Timber Rattlesnake which I've been fortunate to see twice.  They are classified as a "Species of Special Concern" because of habitat loss and predation (often by humans who unwittingly think they are aggressive and kill them).  Anyway, what a total thrill.  And worth the hike up a steep rocky trail (which also gave me an excuse to miss the gym today.)

One more shot in Extra of the other snake's gorgeous plump body.  Surprisingly, these are relatively small snakes, only 2-4 feet typically.  

Back at home, things were buzzing (literally) in the pollinator garden.  The Mountain Mint is starting to bloom and it is always a pollinator magnet.  I will be spending some quality time out there in the next few weeks.  

My besties are headed out tomorrow for a weekend of birthday celebration as both Kura and Ellen have July birthdays.  As if we really need an excuse to get together!  

Hope everyone is headed towards a good weekend - and to all my friends in Europe, I hope you find ways to stay cool and hydrated.

xo
Debbi

On depression...those of you who've met me would probably not have guessed that I have depression.  And I don't fake it - I am just like any "normal" person with good days and not-so-good days.  Most of my days are good ones, and I consider myself to be a person with a keen sense of adventure and a positive outlook on life.  All of that said, if I stop medicating, things can and do change.  I've weaned off of meds twice and had to go back on both times.  For me, medication will probably be a lifetime commitment.  And you know what?  I'm okay with that.