A gift of skin

When opening the lid to the compost bin I found this snake skin right on top of the freshly mown grass. I had lifted that bunch of grass by hand and put it there the day before. Could there have been a snake hiding it and I didn't feel it? How could it miss the mower blade? No idea.
But, after I removed (carefully) from the bin I noticed it was still warm and a bit sticky (eeeeww!), yet it makes for a lovely blip and I am now saving it... for what, I do not know.
I am thrilled to discover that a snake is in the garden... Watch out mice, voles, moles, and perhaps the ever present slugs! I hope it works in secret...

So, I'll go take the lid off the bin to allow it to escape now.
~~About the leaves....they were blown off of the maple tree. We have sunny skies, cool temps. and some strong breezes... perfect spring.