Macro Friday at LBL

Yesterday was a beautiful day. And, and this is the significant part, it wasn't miserably hot! It was a very welcome change.

The kids, Nana, and I took a little trip to Land Between the Lakes. We went to our favorite lake access and had a picnic. We even splashed in the water a bit and participated in the most fantastic toddler activity- throwing rocks into the water. That alone would have been worth the trip, but we also ventured to the Nature Station which is another favorite spot.

There were butterflies everywhere.
This male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail was practically posing for me.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were more abundant than I have ever seen.
They were EVERYWHERE! Do I have wonderful pictures? Sadly, no. But it was still a thrill to see.


The local Red-bellied Woodpeckers were even drinking from the hummingbird feeders. I had never seen that before.

Back in Shakerag, the squirrels and raccoons drink from the hummer feeders.

The biggest thrill of the day however, came as we were heading home. About a half mile from the Nature Station, in our lane of the road, we came upon a Rattlesnake! I'm unsure of the specific species, but my best guess is a Timber Rattlesnake.

So, those of you who are not fans of snakes,
go no further!















He (or she) was just sitting in the road, presumably sunning.
At first, I thought someone had run over him, he was so still.

My goal was to get him off the road and get a few photos.
He was really reluctant to leave the road.

He was on a curve on a hill, so I considered him to be in a fair amount of danger of being hit by a car.

So, I did what any normal, typical housewife would do,
I poured water on him to get him to move.


Well, this did make him move alright, into a striking pose with his tail rattling.


Yes, the rattling sound is just like in the movies.
That was the point when I backed away. Being almost bitten by a snapping turtle is one thing; being bitten by a rattler miles and miles from medical assistance is something quite different.


I love how this subtantial snake just disappears into nothing in just a bit of weeds.
He was about three feet long.

As always, you can click on any of the photos for a closer look.

Don't forget to
stop by

blogging from bolivia
to link up your own Macro Friday post!

-Susan

Watery Wednesday

This is my creek. After a rain, I can hear it splashing and talking from my deck. I have played and waded and skated on this creek. I've thrown and skipped rocks. My daughter has done the same. I've tried to catch fish. I've successfully caught many crayfish and frogs and toads in it. I've even caught a snake or two sunning on the banks. From standing in the creek, I have spied deer, pileated woodpeckers, bluebirds,
and even morels.


It's not a big creek.
Many branches are down in it from the ice storm in 2009.
There are sandstones and salamanders and snails.
It seems cool down at the creek, even when it is sweltering.
If it weren't for the ticks, I'd probably live in the creek.

I love my creek.

This is linked to Watery Wednesday.

Thanks for stopping by!
-Susan

Snake Shot

Here are a couple more photos from our recent trip to
Land Between the Lakes.

So, for those of you who have a strong dislike of snakes,
GO NO FURTHER!
Come back another day.


































Although I like snakes in general, I'm not so fond of poisonous snakes. These were taken at the Nature Station through glass.
He's a Copperhead, and he really was pretty.


I love the texture and feel of a snake. No, I didn't touch this one.


This photo has more true to life color. They are especially beautiful in the sun.

As always, click on any photo for a closer look. Hope you have a great week!

-Susan