I was taking pictures of other birds, when I saw this Cedar Waxwing fly by front of me and land near running water. I quickly put my camera on it and realized the bird had landed on a garter snake. The snake did not even look back, it moved forward and the bird got off it and started bathing in the water.
Garter Snake
Last Saturday I was having no luck getting any good pictures of birds that were back in the mountains after spending much of the winter in a warm place. But another opportunity presented itself. Two garter snakes were moving in and around thermal water not too far away. Compared to when I see them in the summer, they were bit slow sensing what was around them, they kept coming back to where I was standing. Which was great, giving me many tries to get the pictures I wanted.
Until next moment,
Amar
Snake for Lunch
Garter Snakes are common across North America due to their adaptability to the various landforms. Being heterothermic, garter snakes take in the heat from the sun to control their body temperature. They use a system of pheromonal communication, finding other snakes by following their pheromone scented trails. With their carnivorous diet, they will eat almost anything they can overpower. But on the day the attached picture was taken, few garter snakes were being overpowered by omnivore grizzly cubs.
Until next moment,
Amar
Garter Snake
The warm weather brings many things, including the garter snakes. This small adult was basking under the sun before venturing out for food. Its milky blue eyes mean it will be shedding its skin soon. I grabbed a quick picture before walking past it.
Until next moment,
Amar