If we’re going to party, may as well make it a long one.
A pair of non-venomous, Northern Water snakes in White Clay Creek Preserve near Chambers Rock. Spring is mating time for Northern Water snakes and according to Animalia.bio the species are “polygynous meaning that they mate with more than one female. These snakes are also ovoviviparous, which means they do not lay eggs. Instead the mother carries the eggs inside her body and gives birth to free-living young ranging in size from 19-23 cm (7.5-9in) long. A female may have as many as 30 snakelets at a time, but the average is 8. They are born between August and October. Mothers do not care for their young; as soon as they are born, they are on their own.”
A catbird checks things out from amidst the greenery…
Mr. Heron takes a break perched on a favorite tree branch overlooking the creek…
But since he’s a party animal, he decides to forage for something good to eat…
Always impressed 👋👍
Outstanding photos! Thanks for the lore about the water snakes!