It is spring again. The Earth is like a child that knows poems by heart. ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
Springtime - when everything awakens after a long winter's sleep. A couple of weeks back, I took advantage of the warm weather by heading out to walk whenever I could. All sorts of creatures had the same idea.
One day, early last summer, I ran into a man who was allowing his pair of pet snakes to sun themselves on the rocks.
Well, I encountered him again this year, and he had one of his Ball Pythons with him.
Kids kept stopping by to get a closer look.
Some opted to try him on for size.
This little cutie was proudly showing off his new friend to his dad.
On to other, less slithery creatures...
The ducks are enjoying the new growths of spring.
It looks as if this guy just quit smoking.
This mallard is sailing free over Lock 19.
Robins have been back in the area for quite a while now, but this is the first one who has held still long enough for me to photograph it. Thanks, little one.
A starling has found a nice little glass house in which to build her nest.
A rather small snapping turtle was keeping her eye on things while hanging out near the water's edge. I wondered if she was laying eggs or just having a relaxing moment.
It was a treat to see this little mink pop up on the rocks with its catch. She watched me for a few seconds then disappeared back into the water with her meal.
My neighbour's cat often hangs around my place. He thinks my door is an extension of his own place and just steps right in when he gets the opportunity. Make yourself at home, Oliver.
That's it for today. More photos coming up whenever I get around to them - which is not so often, these days. Thanks for sticking by.
31 comments:
Snakes fascinate me. And what a handsome guy Oliver is! :-)
Interesting creatures, snakes...they creep my out. Ducks are my speed, love'em. The mink with a catch, that is a special sight. I've only seen them on coats.
Wow! I am amazed by the close up shots you get of all these wild creatures!! Beautiful. You could be a wildlife photographer. :)
The cat's my favourite! What a sweet face!
All of these are wonderful portraits! I don't think I could say no to Oliver, either. What a cutie!
That fishing mink is quite a photo catch! We have a larger cousin or two of his up here in the NW woods. I don't think I've spied one long enough to even think of grabbing a pic. That python puts our little garden racers to shame, but they sure know how to pee all over you when you catch one. PHEW! :-)
Love the mink shot!That's a rare one!!!
I enjoyed all the photos, but am partial to the bird ones.Snakes,although they can have unique patterns, are not so much for me.
Love posts about animals. I didn't know people took snakes outdoors for a walk!
That first picture of the snake is amazing!
Do you get email addresses from people when you take pictures? The boy with the snake is such a great picture and I have no doubt his family would like it.
I love the mink the best!
Your walk had some interesting variety. Awesome photos.
How we enjoyed our pet snakes when we were kids. Happy Spring!
I don't comment so often, but I want you to know that I always enjoy your post, the photos are wonderful! I enjoyed the snakes this time. I like snakes. I also do not have a problem touching them, even putting them around my neck. My husband on the other side, stays far away from them! :-)
Snow here this morning. That is all I have to say.
Love the wildlife, and the feline portrait is ridiculously fun. There's sort of a Vanity Fair, post-modern-glamour-shot, sense of humor to it that cracks me up.
Plus, what's not to like about snake photos!? So slithery and seductive and creepy and irresistible to look at even if my cavewoman brain is shrieking AAAAGGGHHH NO A SNAKE!
That mink is the best. They are speedy and furtive and your catch was terrific.
great shots as always. I don't know if I would put a python around my neck though.
I love nature shots and I'm a big fan of your photos. I'm not a fan of exotic (non-native) snakes that are potential threats to human life. In 2013 two young boys sadly lost their lives to a large python. Just saying...
That mink is great. I don't see snakes as pets, but a few friends have them
I wish I was brave enough to drape a snake around my neck.
Your photography skills still amaze me. All of these are wonderful. But my very favorite is Oliver and the pillow. What a beautiful portrait that is.
Not fond of snakes but your photos make them look beautiful...but I would certainly pass on holding one! The look on Oliver's face is priceless..so catlike! (If you own a cat you know what I mean!)
Colors of the stationary mallard are beautiful but the capture of the moment is won by the mallard in flight. I'm jealous of your mink sighting too.
Thanks for finding the time to share spring with us. I'm hoping you have a wonderful, new, and creative job that's filling all your hours. Just lovely stuff today, thank you.
I'm not crazy about snakes but your photos are great. Love Oliver and his Cheeky making himself at home.
there's a man who has a turtle he brings to Riverside Park to get some sun and wander through the grass .. also a woman who has canaries and parakeets she brings in their cages to get fresh air .. at first i thought it odd but now i think of it as photo ops ... Oliver looks llke our Jack but his personality makes me think of our Harry who when he hears either or both of our friends Carl and Bill in the hallway he goes to the door and begins to cry out loudly Hey I am in here come visit
I'm not a fan of snakes. I've never been afraid of them, I used to catch grass snakes in the woods, but I just can't imagine having them as pets. To each his own, right?
I definitely prefer the cute cuddly creatures. ;)
Not a big fan of snakes. I appreciate that they play a role in nature but I like animals that have legs!
I anticipate a summer full of gorgeous photos like these on this blog. I'm unable to go for long walks so I really enjoy yours!
Brilliant images, especially the Snake, wonderful.
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