Slithering in this oscillating domain
Feeling it
Breathing it
Loving it
Being an important part of it
[Note: This is an innocent, non-poisonous Garter Snake. I am delighted that she has emerged from our sandy soil to spend time around our house! Such snakes eat mice, rats, and other such vermin. Too many people foolishly kill snakes whenever snakes are seen. Snakes are an important part of the beautiful balance of nature.]
Emergent Spring visitor; she must have just come out of the sands after winter dormancy. … Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2019
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Cute! It makes all the difference, knowing she’s not venomous. I know all creatures have a right to their lives, but venomous snakes are rather hard to understand, love or empathise with.
They are cute, Harini! 🙂 Ah, i’ve lived where there were poisonous snakes and never had a problem. They let you know that they are there and give you more than enough time to respect them and leave before violence from them is necessary.
I’ve seen more snakes this year than ever before — no doubt because I’m out in the wild more, and more observant. These days I count myself lucky when I spot one, although I do “at a distance,” just because I can’t identify them all. I have come to see their little faces as just darned cute — at least, when they’re just cruising around.
I bet Texas has a lot of snakes, Linda. I’m glad that you see them as cute (as Harini can) above. 🙂 More people need to view them as another beautiful part of nature (which they really are). 🙂
Fantastic photograph, Tom! I love snakes and am still waiting our our resident garter snake to emerge. A few years ago I came across a nest full of tiny rubber boas! And you’re right, they are very beneficial to have around!
Thank you, Sabine! Yes, they are very beneficial to have around! 🙂 We live with farmland all around us and, of course, there are plenty of mice/vermin coming from the fields that the snakes really help control.
We often see Garter snakes around our house. They do much good!
Yes, they do, Sandy! As good as cats (and even better) as they can slither down into the tiny holes dug (by mice) around one’s house.
She’s giving you the eye! “You’re too big – please get out of my face so I can find suitable FOOD!” [GREAT photo detail – can see the sand grit, even.]
Thanks, Jazz! 🙂 The snake and i almost kissed, but i don’t love them that much! 🙂
How do you know it is a “she”? All snakes look alike to me when it comes to their sex. Great picture.
It’s easy to tell that she was a “she,” Francis! She was on the south side of the house facing the sun in what was cool weather. We males are too stupid to do something like that. 🙂
(This pic was taken a few weeks ago.)
Love the close-up!
Thank you, Jane! 🙂 I bet our neighbors think that i have too close of a relationship with snakes! 🙂
Wish I could like the little critters, but I have a little…apprehension!
A lot of us need to transcend what we were taught about them. They are beautiful, highly helpful (vermin-wise), and will very rarely attack unless cornered or intentionally provoked. 🙂
Amazing photographs! Just beautiful.
So glad that you see some beauty there. 🙂 Too many people react from needless fear and disdain.
Your photography is amazing.
🙂
I’ve yet to see one this year. Nice photo of this handsome and beneficial snake.
I’ve seen a few, all of them Garter Snakes. I’m so glad that you see their handsomeness and beneficial nature! 🙂
Up close and personal with Miss Snakey – you did her proud Tom. I’d still jump back if I saw her though and hope that she did not take it personally!
🙂 Jumping from a Garter Snake is like jumping from a friendly Squirrel!
There are people at the park where I walk that are afraid of our friendly squirrels. I say that they are only looking for peanuts and if you just walk on and ignore them, they know you’re not interested in socializing with them or giving handouts. They are smart like that. But it falls on deaf ears!
🙂 It’s exactly the same thing with snakes, Linda!
I love all the snakes, even venomous ones. As you said, they let you know they’re there (in the case of rattlers, anyway). As with all critters, I just leave them be to do their thing.
Yes, i’m glad you understand them, Eilene! 🙂 Unfortunately, most people just don’t!
WHOA! Awesome close-up, Tom!
Our neighbors must say, “He’s the guy who snuggles up close and intimate with snakes and bugs.” 🙂
Beautiful snek! 🙂