This morning I decided to move the old oak log that served as sort of a parking curb since I cut it down about 5 years ago. For years the old turkey oak supported one of those "horsey" swings made from a cleverly cut up tire. As turkey oaks do, this one decided 70+ years was enough and suddenly died. It was so huge and so close to the house, that I had to cut it down ... I think I actually posted about that at the time.
(Okay, yes, I did post about it here. I had to go check.)
The massive log, minus branches, has delineated where to park since that day, but we have some fencinifical plans for that parking area, so today I wrestled it over to the woods edge.
Before I made any attempt to move the log, I bent down to pull some truck floor mats that had been laid across it to dry after a truck cleaning. When I lifted the first mat, there was this beauty of a black racer.
Expecting her to ... race off ... I reached in the nearby JEEP and retrieved the camera. After a dozen or so still shots without her leaving, a video seemed like a good idea.
So, I got down on my knees, turned the camera to macro ... just in case she let me get real close, and crawled slowly towards her.
She held her ground,investigated the camera lens , and then tagged me as she left.
All in all, I think she was pretty patient with me.
17 comments:
Awesome, and she was pretty patient!
Beyond cool! What a magnificent snake!!!
Yes, sweet!
I believe you have a bit of snake slobber on your lens...just there.
Lisa,
Which is totally unlike a black racer.
3Collie,
She was that! I really expected her to zipidydoda outta there as soon as I got down on all fours.
Funder,
We agree on that!
Swampy,
Lab slobber, snake slobber, ... my lens is rarely clean.
:)
That was some cool close ups...love that forked tongue exploring the lens.
The other day, I was working at one of my Mother's properties and came a cross a black racer. They typically dart off faster than you can see them (almost) but this one stood her ground, as well. She shook her tail as a warning and wrapped herself into a semi-coil. I had never seen this behavior in a black racer before. Great video! Thanks for posting!
Anon,
me too, snake tongues are amazing devices.
Ken,
Thanks. I've seen that display before too.
Even though I knew it was coming, I still jumped when she tagged you.
She was sweet, a beautiful snake. And her eyes are so different, aware but not threatening. The vipers' eyes always look so intelligent and menacing ~ no doubt about their intention if messed with! Loved the video and your reaction ~ sweet!
Amazing how it didn't just scurry away. Is scurry the right word? Maybe I mean slither.
Awesome video, as usual. What a gorgeous, slinky gal. Love your chuckle at the end.
Sayre,
So did I.
Suzanne,
Well said, maybe if snakes could blink rather than stare, people would see them differently. She was a sweet surprise for me.
Robert,
Slither seems to fit.
Dear Miz S,
Snakes tickle me... I can't help it. I hope you and your family are doing okay.
Cool video!
Drama and education all in one package (in fact, about one minute).
WOW! You are probably getting me over my crazy snake fear with your so calm posts and pics...thanks! Someday this girl and hub are moving out to the sticks...and I'm gonna step wherever I want...might need the Cabela snake boots at first~ peace!
Hey Dave,
Thanks!
Banjo,
I like your take on that!
Floridaze,
Thanks! Helping reduce snake aversion is a big goal of mine! The boots are still a good idea though!
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