This morning, on the way to the compost pile, I came across this snake stretched across the path into the woods. By the time I ran for my camera it was fast disappearing into the poison ivy.
At first glance I suspected a copperhead, based upon the coloration, but a quick look at its head told me it was no viper.
Had to go to my snake book for an i.d. I think it’s a mole kingsnake. I’ve never identified this particular snake around here, so it’s one for the life list. Apparently they live mostly underground and are often unearthed by farmers’ plows. They are superb burrowers, which fit this snake’s habit as it disappeared into the duff within seconds of taking its photo.
Happy birthday to me.
[...] the path into the woods, right where the snake appeared Monday, I found my first clump of black feathers. Then many, many more all the way to the compost [...]