Black Rat Snake October 19, 2009
This snake is fairly small, not more than a foot but he was able to swallow the mouse--look at the big hump! At first, I wasn't sure of the ID. The field guide said that Black Rat Snakes have the coloration of gray rat snakes (not usually in this area) when they are young so that explains that he is not black.
Close-up of the Black Rat Snake
Shaggy Mane Mushroom October 13, 2009
Our driveway is full of these mushrooms, usually in September but they came up in October. This one, probably several days old, shows how it got its name.
I photographed this zinnia the day before a freeze which killed all my zinnias and cosmos last week. I planted these flowers from a few seed packets and got lots of flowers, enjoyed by bees and butterflies alike. They are a cheap way to help the bees!
Bee Update: I had to start feeding the bees since there is so little forage for them and I wasn't sure of their winter stores of honey (since I swiped a little from them). I did notice them bringing in pollen--there's till some asters. I even saw some bees on my pansies and mums.
Great shot of the snake, something few people see in their lives! The shaggy mane is a handsome 'shroom. A friend grows zinnias and cosmos and they're so pretty - I shall try them next summer!
ReplyDeleteCool photo of the snake (and mouse). That snake won't have to eat all winter. My goodness, what a mouse bump!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn H.
Jain-do grow the zinnias and cosmos. They are so easy to grow and last all summer. They cheer me up with their bright colors.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn--Thanks for the note. I hope I don't see too many more of those snakes though.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this kind of black rat snake. He/she's pretty. The mouse story reminds me of a black rat snake we had here who ate a frog, leaving a big lump in his belly.
ReplyDeleteI loved the photographs, especially the zinnia. Such an inexpensive and beautiful flower. State Fair Zinnias are my favorite but I love all of them.
ReplyDeleteHope the bees overwinter well.
Very cool photos! We don't have snakes in NZ!
ReplyDeleteLisa--when the snake is older, it looks blacker with faint markings. I bet that black snake with a frog was quite a sight.
ReplyDeleteNCmountainwoman--zinnias are cool. I planted them for the first time in many years. I remember my mom giving me zinnia seeds to plant when I was little.
bettyl--I wonder what happened to the snakes in New Zealand?
ok..i am thinking about that lovely shaggy mane mushroom...Did you eat any? they are delicious...
ReplyDeleteCool snake shots..yikes..
dAwN--I didn't know the shaggy mane mushroom was edible. Maybe I will try one next year--now they are gone already.
ReplyDeleteI just checked on my bees a couple minutes ago. I combined the two hives. I'm not CERTAIN that either has a queen, though I did see some larva and capped brood--very little--in one of the hives. NO SIGN of brrod in the other. There are, however, TONS of bees between the two hives put together and "some" maybe 1/2 at best of the honey they will need. So, I'm feeding them sugar water, and gave them a homemade grease patty because I saw a few k-wings. I hope they survive the winter so that we will have at least one hive next spring.
ReplyDeleteAbout the mushrooms, I always respectfully caution everyone about eating mushrooms. We had a customer whom was CONVINCED she had found some edible mushrooms; she looked online, talked to people and they all said she was right..they were edible..well, she ate them, ended up in the E.R. the next morning, and died 5 days later. My husband, not knowing all this had happened showed up to her house for a scheduled appt. only to fine her not home. She'd left for the hospital moments before he got there. Days later, we found out what happened. I am ALL about foraging, gardening, and self sufficiency, but I have to draw the line at mushrooms. I know there are many that are edible, but I think I'd have to have a lot of hands on experience and professional guidance before I chomped down on a wild one! I "hope" to make the bee meeting this Thursday..what about you? Looking forward to meeting in person some day!
oh, and HOW did you get that close up to the face of that snake? I don't think I could have gotten on his level like that with my face! :)
ReplyDeletecanningmama--your caution on eating mushrooms is well taken. I have eaten morels in the past (if I could find them) but am cautious on anything else. The Shaggy Mane might not be a good one to try since it easily can be mistaken.
ReplyDeleteThe close up is a crop of a photo taken about one and half feet away. It was chilly and the snake wasn't moving much. Thanks for the note--I also commented on your blog.
nice shots! I kinda like rat snakes, and they usually seem to be fairly tame and don't mind being picked up! I love that shaggy mane mushroom, so cool!
ReplyDelete