As I reached the boardwalk, I glanced to my right and realized that I was eye-to-eye with a snake that was loosely coiled on top of a bush. This Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) seemed to have appointed himself as the official greeter of the day at the marsh, though I suspect that not all visitors welcomed his presence so close to them as they walked by.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Greeter is a great description for your friend. The snake’s curves really added to a nice composition.
Thanks, Lyle. Who knew a snake could be so cooperative?
Actually, a pretty cute snake! M 🙂
It’s surprising how easily they can climb trees and shrubs. Nice shot!
It’s a bit disconcerting to see a snake eye-to-eye, but it sure makes them easier to photograph.
great photo mike, love your use of light and the detail
Thanks, Rob. This was a day when I had my telephoto zoom on my camera and on some of the images I used my popup flash to add a little light. I can’t tell for sure with this one if I used it or not. With my macro, which I often walk around with on my camera, I might have gotten in even closer on the snake’s eye, but missed the sinuous curve of its body.
We do t really have snakes here, just adders in the New Forest but you never see them, at least I haven’t.
Great shot, detail is so excellent.