Surprise Visit

This handsome and very curious Eastern Black Racer cautiously poked its head out of a flowerbed and made its way up onto our patio. I was photographing hummers and had just caught its movement when it froze in place. We were about five feet from each other and as I slowly moved my camera into position to take its photo the Racer lifted its head slightly and stared right into my lens. We studied each other for several minutes before it turned and off it went, back into the flowers. Check the *extra. 
Eastern Black Racers are non-venomous and aren't aggressive, but like most snakes and other wild animals, they can and will bite if threatened. The Black Racer is a special snake for me. The only tattoo I have is of a Black Racer protecting the Earth. m