I do the same Sally!! As I've said I'd love for my little guys to hold s family reunion!!!

I haven't seen tree frogs in my yard, but I am partial to the big toad that lives in the back. At least, I think I'm always seeing the same toad. It was using an overturned TubTrug for shelter during last night's rain.

Removed the oversize, loose-fitting lid off my bin of potting medium this morning and was surprised to find a juvenile black snake hiding inside. Luckily, I had my camera close by. After the photo op I escorted it out and bade it to live long and prosper, eating voles.

Nice! Wish we had a few around here to take care of the chipmunk.

I did not know they were striped.

That's how they start out and darken as they mature. Faint remnants of this coloration can often be observed on adults (if you and the snake are closely juxtaposed and neither is fleeing)

Oh..that explains what I am looking at when I see the skin in the garden.. I have seen a striped appearance and wondered about the snake that escaped it.

I too had always thought black snakes were solid black.

Full disclosure. I went to PetSmart, bought 20 dinky goldfish, spent a whopping $6. Did re-position worthless plastic owl to other side of the pond. Lowered the height of motion detector light.
Am somehow trusting I won't see floaters tomorrow.

Fingers crossed, Lisa

eek, David, I've kept a bale of potting mix outside and loosely covered, and never considered something like that snake might go in there! I stick my hand right in it...

Muddy we treasure our occasional toad too. I haven't found any big ones lately, but almost stepped on a little one last night.

I've only found a toad in my bale of potting mix, I'm sure a snake would be a heck of a surprise.

Cute baby black snake We HAD a bunch of adults and teen age ones here UNTIL the stinking King snake
showed up. Now all my black snakes are gone in fear for their lives and I was in a staring contest with a
MOUSE today Thinking about adopting a outside cat to help get rid of the voles and MICE

I find another King snake around here and he is going to get the same as the last King ...The Shovel .I know there
is at least one Blk/Wht King around :(

I miss my black snakes and my hubby that is squeamish around snakes even Misses the big female that lived in
his garage

Must be my lucky month, I almost stepped on a Ribbon Snake this morning, 2nd snake in three days.

I would consider myself lucky if I don't ever see a snake at all.

You and me both!

And, the snake doesn't look too thrilled or secure either...


With me, it must be the sight of that Edward Munch-like face!!

Rosie, yes, that face with sound effect.

We used to get about half a dozen chipmunks each year, but I have seen hardly any this year because my neighbor has got 2 new cats, Buttercup and Smokie.

The cats are super friendly, and they spend more time in my garden than at home. We just started to feed the cats recently. Guess who came for dinner at the risk of becoming dinner?

I haven't seen a chipmunk....in forever it seems!! So cute!

and such pretty kitties too