When Joe and Bonnie came over so that Joe could help WS with the desks (see previous post), we gave them a tour of the property (they hadn't been over for a couple of years - we usually go over to their place). We not only went thru the gardens, we took them to see the stream and the rest of the back woods. We showed them the lady slippers, and shortly before we got back to where the greenhouse stands, Bonnie heard something at the very edge of the trail.
We stopped and stared - we believe it was a 3 - 3 1/2 foot long timber rattler , rattling its tail at us. We thought it was probably a fairly young one, because of the short rattle, but reading the description, it was more likely an adult. I knew that they were uncommon in NH, but didn't realize they are an endangered species. I got pictures, although they aren't very good, but may be enough for a confirmation from experts should I report the sighting. Of course they will have to wait until I use the rest of the film, and it was a brand new roll (maybe I'll just burn off the pictures so I can get them developed).
I don't mind snakes, I figure they control the mice and other rodents. My only concern is that we have never really paid attention to all the snakes on the property. We usually have them by the stairs to the driveway, in the planters below the fence, in a pile of stone next to the dog pen gate, and in the vegetable gardern. As a matter of fact, when I was preparing to plant the veggie garden, I scared one sunning itself and it actually had to come toward me to get to its hole in the stairs. I paid absolutely no attention except to note that it wasn't the regular garden snake - I believe it might have been a black racer or a black rat snake. However, since I wan't paying attention, I didn't catch any detail (plus, it was moving fast and only had to go about 5 feet for cover).
Now, it would be a good idea to pay more attention I guess. I also hope the cats are smart enough to stay away from it!
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