Category Archives: What I Saw

A Yellow Rat Snake Challenge

I noticed a Wren just on the other side of the porch screen. The patio blocks and flower pots are against the screen, lots of misc. stuff flying around each time the back gets a mowing. We back up to a pine stand, really tall trees and filled with birds. We can sit here and have plenty of activity.

Suddenly a snake, large Yellow Rat Snake, started to slide by. He was following the Wren. I must have moved because the snake turned and looked at me through the screen, 4 feet away.

A Yellow Rat Snake Challenge
A Yellow Rat Snake Challenge

Since my neck surgery I don’t have any cameras handy. I’m right handed like most people, and now my right hand does not cooperate. Nerve damage, exercises, lots of swearing, you get the idea.

I was not going to skip the chance here though, ran and retrieved a camera.

Long story short the little practice I have done with my gear paid off.

A Yellow Rat Snake Challenge
A Yellow Rat Snake Challenge

I did get a few more shots while trying to herd him into the woods, to be finished a bit later.

For the foreseeable future my only gear will be an older Canon 7D2 and a Tamron (one size fits all) 18-400. Certainly a decent kit though.

Prothonotary Warbler

There is a place on a trail running through a small wetlands that has all kinds of Cypress Tree Knees. Many of these roots have a hollowed out hole perfect for these visitors to nest in.

Every spring these small brilliant yellow  speedsters are there. I usually get at least one chance to photograph them. No room for error.

Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler

These will be my one and only photos for 2023. They return to South America after the chicks have grown.

Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler

Found On A Walk

I learned photography shooting film and black and white.  While out shooting other than wildlife I try to work with the goal of having as many images possible in that format. However, I admit I hedge my bet by shooting in RAW allowing both color and B&W. I could use .jpg files and monochrome settings. Fear of missing that perfect color image stops me though 😁😁.

The photos below, from old cemeteries, worked out well for monochrome.

Found On A Walk
Found On A Walk
Found On A Walk
Found On A Walk