Snakes in the Grass.

Was working outside a bit clearing an old landscape feature out.  When I noticed this little guy.. little?

He was about 2 ft. long or more.  Must have plenty to eat. Anyway this little guy didn't seem to alarmed at seeing me out today, usually he hides. So far he has not went to any of the neighbors yards, which would probably get him hit with a shovel. Hopefully he makes it through the summer. I could use some good slug and insect control.

This little one is a Eastern garter snake and can be identified by its dark body with three stripes, a thin one on its back and thicker ones on either side.  They are a nonvenomous species and release a foul smell if attacked, they will bite if provoked.  Its diet consists of  lizards, rodents, amphibians, turtles, slugs, small fish, insects and birds.
The average adult garter snake is 18 - 26 inches long, yet can reach a maximum length of 36 inches.
A garter snake's life expectancy is no longer than ten years.


I myself like to watch them and as a kid watched one catch lightening bugs in the yard. Never knew they ate those...  anyway most people kill these on sight.  I would advise unless they are a real problem inside the house, (and you can catch those and relocate) Just leave em in the grass. They will help with pest control.

They do tend to freeze when people pass making them prime targets for lawn mowers.. so If your inclined. sweep through the yard once to scare them out of the grass before mowing.  I do advise no wild animal should be caught and kept as a pet. 
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Birds and the Bees.

This morning I got the kids off to school, checked for any new seedlings and then decided to sit back enjoy myself.   Sitting on the porch no one else up or moving that I could see, I watched the Bees  buzzing around the Lilac.  Occasionally one one fly up and "stare" at me before going back to the blossoms.   The birds were wide awake and i had several robins poaching worms in the yard.   As I sat I noticed a  slight movement, keeping an eye on that spot in the yard I saw a pretty decently good sized garden snake.  Of course when it saw me it raised it head and watched me as long as I watched it. After several moments of mutual staring we both went back to what ever it was we were doing.  I watched the bees, it looked for breakfast.  Sometime during all this a small black cat appeared and lounged on the porch.    All in all a good start to any day.

Spring Cleaning!

If you are actually reading this, then you know I have not made alot of posting recently.  I promise I will get people caught up... eventually.  Cleaning the brush and such out of the yard, and the cobwebs out of the house.   Dodging the rain drops, but liking the green coming up.  I will get more out soon (ishI