Spring has definitely arrived, bringing with it an abundance of snakes in addition to the profusion of flowering plants. Most of the snakes have been all curled up, basking in the sun. This Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon), however, was slithering through the water and stuck out its tongue and hissed at me before disappearing below the surface of the water.
I really like the way the colors of the snake’s skin match those of its surroundings and even the reddish color of the forked tongue is repeated in the fallen blossom.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I wonder why there are so many snakes there. They must be finding plenty to eat.
My guess that they are all just waking up and they are trying to get warm, so that they are more visible than normal.
Great shot, bring on spring..:-)
What a fun shot (for those of us who like snakes–and that includes me)! You’re absolutely right about how the snake’s color blends in with its surroundings–perfect camouflage.
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water … [cue “Jaws” theme song].
The snake does look a bit menacing, I must admit. I was happy that I was finally able to get a decent shot of a snake’s tongue.
That is sinister looking especially since it appears to be rising out of the sand. You must have caught the tongue at full extension – nicely done. How big is that snake?
Thanks, Lyle. What looks to be sand in the photo is actually the surface of the shallow water. I wasn’t close enough to know for sure how big the snake was, but suspect that he was about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm).
Thanks. Oddly enough the inches help more than the cm.
I love it! A different view for sure. It kind of looks like the snake is coming right out if the pavement.