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…
wow these are great!!
Three cheers for honoring our most dishonored wildlife !!
Amazing! Thank you.
Hey Jim! Whew, these snakes are getting the hair on the back of my neck up! If it were me out there, birding, I would have totally freaked out, I’m quite sure. I do respect their place in nature…just don’t want to infringe on them, or see them suddenly. We have quite a few snakes out here this summer…some in the greenhouse….Gary said they can’t find a way out when he spots them. Needless to say, I am not out there this year. Your photos are excellent!
Nice shots Jim. They are beautiful. I have an image of an individual with a nice frog sized swelling mid-length.
As to the aggression, I caught one as a kid and was rewarded with a bleeding hand.
Hi Jim
I was glad to see this report and photo! For the last three weeks a Northern Black water snake has been hanging out on and around my dock on Hunters Lake. Seems friendly but would not want to handle it. Very high water here which is nice since there is a no wake. The wildlife can live in paradise for awhile. First humming bird finally. Jill Bedford