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I was so excited when I found 2 new bird nests in my barn.  One was a martin I think and the other one I didn't see the builders.  The one started out being a mud nest but ended up looking like this

Crazy Nest.

 It is in the middle of the barn and I have to duck to get to the other side to feed.  This particular night I could hear the little guys chirping, since it was so big I couldn't see them like in the past.    

The next one is over the barn door to the corral.  Once I noticed it I ran and got my camera. I walked out in the corral and was trying to take pics when I noticed something strange.  I couldn't figure out what they had used to make the nest it looked like skin of some sort.  Hummm.  I used my long lense and look at what I saw.  These two pics might cause you to jump away from your computer, be careful.

Unwelcome Visitor

Vistor closer

I was disappointed there would be no pictures of baby birds.  The next day when I went in the barn I couldn't hear any chirps in the other nest. Guess he visited the other nest too!!!  

Have a nice afternoon :o)

I found this Bad Boy on the edge of the road next to a parking lot at the lake. He was very much alive and very active, but I think he was hit by a car as he has a spot of blood on his side, which is not seen in this photo, and the snakes tougue is hanging out.

I think Rockey will attest that, as colorful as this one is, it is best left alone. The copperhead is the only poisonous snake in my area, though the bite is not fatal, it can be painful and does require medical attention.

Let me give you a little background on this one. I have more than once expressed my fear of snakes here, and Rockey always says they are another part of nature. Nature shots are my thing, so, when I took some people to see Wildasin's church and cemetary, which I have posted here several times, I came across not 1 but 3 large black snakes. I have seen snakes before in the wild of course, but I have never photographed one. I thought about Rockey and went to work with the camera and this is the result:

This snake is about 4 ft. long Black Snake 1 Black Snake 1 close up

The 2 snakes in these shots I am guessing are about 5 ft. each. They were laying up against the stone foundation of the old church in the sun. Black Snake 2 Black Snake 2 close up  Black Snake 3  Black Snake 3 close up

Needless to say, they were into sunning themselves, and did not launch an attack. So here's to you Rock, and now I am going to be more on the lookout for snake shots. I'll still not get too close, but, they aren't so bad after all.

I had the last five days off, I wish it was just starting! The weather was super. Our plans to go to D.C. for the cherry blossoms fell through so I relaxed and went walking everyday. Here are a few photos from my outings.
This old giant has been worn smooth and polished over time . These little sprouts are growing in the compost nature has left on a stump.
 It was very tricky to get these three  water  shots  with Oakley and O'malley around.
The swamp is starting to
green up .
This forest friend  was at the end of the walk today  good spotting by Wildman but my little camera was better at the close up today so I get the photo!
Last but not least my lady on the nest  again! The male was busy chasing geese around the pond.I tried to capture some of the swan flying after the goose but I'm not talented enough for that kind of action....YET!

His name is Strick.   He belongs to my cousin.  I wish  that he was mine.  But the hubby says if Strick or any of his kind comes in our house, he is gone (the hubby that is). I like Strick.  He has a  great personality.  Really!  This is what his belly looks like.  Trust me I wouldn't hold him if he wasn't nice.  I know that the shot isn't that great but when he is on the move he is hard to catch. He was wrapping around my camera and tangling himself in the strap and my hair. She has another one that is mean and a lot smaller.  Well this is the  end of this tale.  Strick is happy back in his  home.

Too Much
Half
Intimidate again
Is that legal?
Little things again
What the????
My first try at erasing; not a total flop, but close The end
This little fellow isn't part of the theme, but he's  cute.
Hope y'all enjoy!