Tiny

This is one of our smallest snakes, a harmless Ring-necked snake, and a first for me.  They are less than 12 inches in length and are secretive, nocturnal snakes, rarely seen in the daytime.  I was out walking with my nature group and one of the guys spotted this tiny serpent back in some thorny grown - I have no idea how he spotted it because it was quite well hidden.  I hustled over to get some photos and just to admire the wee thing.  He got tired of us very quickly and moved further back into the vegetation.  We also saw a much larger Northern Water Snake who was hauled out next to a lake getting ready to shed its skin (the tell being the milky appearance of the eyes which happens just before they molt.). Close up in Extra. 

We started the day at a higher elevation where the fog was quite thick.  Still, the birds were all around us, singing mightily, and the vegetation was alive with interesting insect life.  I saw the most extraordinary crane fly (also in Extra and worth a look) called a Giant Saber Horn Crane Fly. I thought it was a wasp until I got the images up on my computer at home.  What a beauty.  From there, we moved to a lower elevation to a stream that is always a haven for damselflies and dragonflies and home to some that are fairly rare.  The sun was only out for brief peeks so the ode activity was spotty.  This didn't diminish anyone's enjoyment.

Back at home, I did a quick nest box check to make sure the second wren nest was finished - it's completely empty and I just need to clean it out now.  Last night when I checked the swallow nest box, there were tiny pink naked babies nestled in the fluffy white feathers.  Unable to count but I suspect all 5 hatched.  

The time is flying and in three weeks I will be in Brazil where I am sure we will all have an amazing time.

xoxo
Debbi