Common Garter Snakes in Southeastern Wisconsin on March 24, 2022

This time of year Garter Snakes can be found coming out of hibernation and enjoying some of the mild temperatures of spring. They are a little sluggish or dormant but some are starting to come alive. I found some today on a walk and took some photos of them. I also found a Brown DeKay’s snake that was about the size of a large night crawler. I assume these are Common Garter Snakes, please correct me if I am wrong, thank you. It was a mostly cloudy day with some rain at times, cold temps at 34-37 degrees. Images were taken on March 24, 2022.

The Common Garter Snake’s forked tongue…

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Brown DeKay’s Snake

Brown DeKay’s Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Northern Water Snakes in Waukesha County Wisconsin on July 10, 2020

On one of my birding stops today I was stunned when I looked down and saw a 4 foot plus long Northern Water Snake. I counted 5 different ones, they all were very big at 4 feet plus in length. It was actually pretty cool to see them. They sit very still and wait for a frog or fish to come by for something to eat, I think that is what was going on when I saw them. They eat other things too. Even though this species is not venomous, they are considered an aggressive species and will bite if handled. No major birds to report. The snakes were very exciting, it made my day. The morning started out very pleasant with a nice breeze from the northwest. It was sun and clouds mixed. Images were taken on July 10, 2020.

The Northern Water Snake laying there very still…

The Northern Water Snake just sitting motionless probably waiting for something to come by to eat…

Snapping Turtle at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on June 8, 2018

While strolling through Greenfield Park today I had the opportunity to watch from a distance a Snapping Turtle finishing up laying eggs, then a walk to pond nearby. I gave it plenty of space letting it do it’s thing staying 15- 20 feet away not to disturb it. Images were taken on June 8, 2018.

Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina

Burying the last of the eggs…

The walk to the pond…

The tail…

Those claws…