Nature sighting of the day

[merlinmurph]

Black rat snake, about 4-5 feet - sorry, no pics

This was very cool. We were on a small, country road (Upton) and saw a snake ahead of us crossing the road. There is very little traffic on this road, but I didn't want him to get hit, so I got off my bike and walked behind him while he was crossing (slowly) in case a car came by.

He gets to the other side, gets to a bush, and climbs up the bush, about 8 feet up. Then, he just hung out. Definitely one of the coolest things I've seen lately, watching him slither his way up.

A neighbor saw us and asked what we were looking at. We showed him the snake and he filled us in on the type of snake it was.

Enjoy your ride,
Murph

[nighthawk]

Woah... That's crazy. Thanks for making sure it got across safely. Pics next time! I've grabbed my share of snapping turtles out of the road and helped them get to the other side. Nothing like some ugly jerk trying to bite your thumbs off, while you're keeping it from getting splattered.

btw, I actually grew up in that area (westboro) but never saw anything like that. I did see a Timber rattler once in westboro... It was only a baby, though. And this was 20+ years ago.

[bigflax925]

I tend to help things cross the road, too. Good for you!

Here's my sighting of the day. This little guy was pushing this ball of s^!t uphill with his hind legs.

Taken with my iPhone, he reminds us that when you think your job is bad, or you are fighting an uphill battle... it could always be worse.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/bigflax925/9d43b263.jpg

[eippo1]

When I read this, I immediately assumed you were in the South or West somewhere since you mentioned snake. But then I saw your name and realized I knew you. Now I'll make sure to keep my eye out for some snakes on my upcoming rides.

Heard some bullfrogs in Concord over the weekend, but didn't see any.

[khjr]

when you think your job is bad, or you are fighting an uphill battle... it could always be worse.

After the day I had today, I'd rather have that beetle's job.

[efleigh]

i love reptiles. black rat snakes can get HUGE, often max out at something like 8'.



Black rat snake, about 4-5 feet - sorry, no pics

This was very cool. We were on a small, country road (Upton) and saw a snake ahead of us crossing the road. There is very little traffic on this road, but I didn't want him to get hit, so I got off my bike and walked behind him while he was crossing (slowly) in case a car came by.

He gets to the other side, gets to a bush, and climbs up the bush, about 8 feet up. Then, he just hung out. Definitely one of the coolest things I've seen lately, watching him slither his way up.

A neighbor saw us and asked what we were looking at. We showed him the snake and he filled us in on the type of snake it was.

Enjoy your ride,
Murph

[4Rings6Stars]

We have 8 foot long snakes in eastern MA?

[CaptStash]

Riding around Mercer Island (near Seattle) on Sunday I saw something out of the corner of my eye. At first I thought, wow huge dog! Then I realized it was a big stag sproinging through the neighborhood! I hadn't even realized there were deer on Mercer.

That sort of made my day.

CaptStash....

[nighthawk]

After the day I had today, I'd rather have that beetle's job.

I think he's planning on eating that turd, just so you know.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . they just lay their eggs on them and their babies eat the turd. But either way, uh, "Ugh."

I think he's planning on eating that turd, just so you know.

Anyway . . . was riding several weeks ago over on 313 in Washington County and we came up on a martin crossing the road . . . basically a big black weasel. He was ambling in the middle of the road and had no idea we were there until we were about 10' away and then--ZZZZing!.

BBD

[bpm]

Found this in my driveway when I came home from work a week ago!

[RFC]

Great shot! Reminded me of this.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1006_051006_pythoneatsgator.html

I have also stopped to escort rattlers off the road here in AZ.

[bpm]

The best part is that my daughters (ages 5 and 8) saw it and thought it was the coolest thing they had ever seen. My kids love all forms of wildlife and were sorry to see the toad meeting his demise, but thought it was cool anyways.

[RFC]

The best part is that my daughters (ages 5 and 8) saw it and thought it was the coolest thing they had ever seen. My kids love all forms of wildlife and were sorry to see the toad meeting his demise, but thought it was cool anyways.

That's how I raised my kids as well. Now one is a Life Sciences major and the other is pre med.