This one is not for you, Mom: Skip it ! As I mentioned in my note about the arrival of spring ducks and Kinglets at the Rattray Marsh, I kept my eyes open on my ramble for other Bonuses. It was my ears, though, that tipped me off. Something was rustling the fallen leaves gently and steadily, not in small bursts like a bird or chipmunk. So I stopped and looked closely.
While I watched the leaves, this Black-capped Chickadee watched me.
(Time to stop reading, Mom.)
What Steadily Rustles Through the Leaves on the Forest Floor?
Past experience has taught my ears that a certain kind of prolongued rustling is usually a snake, not a bird or mammal. With no stepping there is no pause in the noise.
I was surprised, though, to find a Garter Snake out on a relatively cold April afternoon, especially close to the Lake where everything takes longer to warm up.
The Garter Snake was easily seen. Usually they tunnel down under the leaves and sticks, making observation short and the chance of photos slim.
Why Were These Two Snakes Racing Around A Small Area?
Then I realized there were at least 2 Garter Snakes. Both were moving very quickly but staying in a fairly small area. They would double-back, twist and turn, disappear and re-emerge. Often one would be in the lead, with the other chasing after and up alongside it.
After a second or so, though, they would diverge and continue their frantic race through the leaves.
I’ve read that male Garter Snakes often stay near their hibernation den waiting for a female to emerge. But these two snakes never slowed down nor interacted for more than a second.
I’m wondering if perhaps these were two males, each searching rather desperately for a partner. When they discovered the other was also male, they moved on, sure that somewhere nearby was the lady they were looking for.
Or not.
I’m not sure, but that is my best guess.. Either way, it was interesting to watch them for a few minutes. Then I continued on my ramble.
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