Getting cozy...

I have been surprised at how few snakes I've seen since moving to FL.  So, when I saw these two beauties today, I knew I would have to choose them as my photo of the day.  These are a breeding pair of Florida Banded Water Snakes (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris).  They are a subspecies of the Banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata). They bear live young in "litters" of 20-30. These two were on a limb about 5 feet above the water.  


While I was photographing the snakes, I glanced over my shoulder up into the trees next to the boardwalk... and found not one, but TWO yellow-crowned night herons peering back at me.  They were positioned next to one of last year's nests, so my assumption is that they are preparing to start their brood.  I often see one at this spot, but I've never before seen two.  Exciting times at the pond!


Huntsville, where my hubs is this week, got about 9 inches of snow last night - meaning that the entire city is shut down while they try to deal with the snow.  What a time to be there!  Not sure if he'll get out tomorrow or not, but at least he is having some quality time with his mom.  As she goes further down the road of Alzheimers, the time spent together becomes more and more precious.  


Today was the third straight day of mainly cloudy skies - making all the Floridians VERY unhappy!  It is amazing how quickly I've gotten accustomed to perpetually sunny skies!  Must remind myself that it was 13 degrees below zero at our home in NJ Monday morning. Kind of puts a few clouds into perspective! 


I am slowly getting used to the D90 again and my pictures are improving a bit.  I'm still not real happy with the clarity, but some of that is a function of the smaller sensor on the D90.  Anyway, I got some shots today that I like and I've posted 8 on Flickr, starting HERE with a big-footed moorhen.  Also my first ever shot of a reddish egret in flight - which would have been my blip choice had I not found these snakes.  An embarrassment of riches, photographically speaking.


Apologies for being a bit of a slacker on comments - hopefully I'll manage to get caught up one of these days...


TTFN,
Debbi