Getting Ready for Bed, 11-2-2019

Andrea and I had been wondering if everyone was back to their den sites since the nighttime temps were scraping the freezing mark these days. So, since we had just a little time before an afternoon band thing, we went to our local stomping grounds to check out the known den areas.

On the way, we saw a Redback under a rock. No frost yet, so this was still possible.


We got into the Valley of Nerodia and Andrea spotted a namesake snake... a gorgeous (if a bit dusty) Northern Water Snake stretching out in the sun. It was only about 45° but the sun was obviously warm enough.

Beautiful snake, easily 3 feet long. A yard of Nerodia.

The Cottonwood Den had a heartbreaking sight waiting for us... the very tree for which the den is named, a huge Cottonwood introduced to us by our friend Andrew, had fallen.

This tree was our signpost, our beacon in the woods to alert us to the Cottonwood Den that Andrew had introduced us to, a den site that usually delivers a stubborn Garter or two.

Undeterred by the fallen tree, this little Garter was sunning outside its hibernaculum.


On the way to the Rock Wall Den, we encountered another plump Redback.


The Rock Wall Den didn't show us anything until we were leaving to head back. This slim Garter was poking around in front of it.

That scale in front of the eye almost had me thinking we'd seen a Ribbon!

Heading out, we looked in on the Water Snake, who was following the sun. Just beyond Sly's Den (which has been empty for a few years now), this Garter was deciding whether or not to return to the underground.


Lastly, up at Roble's Den, this slim Garter was grabbing some last minute rays.


So, we had answered our question. Yes, snakes are all back to their Winter digs and will be there for the next 5 months or so. On sunny days, we will probably visit them until the Spring but our usual hikes have ended for the year.

Besides, we're back on the beach on Sunday.