These were taken in August.
I have 2 small birdhouses on my front porch. The only thing that has ever lived in them were a couple of Cuban Brown Anoles (lizard), but one morning out of the corner of my eye I spotted a head…..
But, as you can see, it is not an Anole, it’s a young Red Rat Snake. My front porch has become very popular with snakes. So far, I have had 2 Yellow Rat Snakes on it.
Even though this little guy was very pretty, and I’ve read they make very good pets, we decided to relocate him so he wouldn’t grow up and eat my birds or the baby bunnies that live here.
We took the birdhouse, put it in a pail and headed to the tree farm. 
The birdhouse was falling apart so I removed the roof and let him take his time leaving.
It’s a very pretty snake, and I really would have enjoyed seeing him around the yard, but he was too close to the bird feeders.
Such beautiful markings. 
There will be plenty of food and places to hide in the grove. I’ll be watching for him as we drive in and out.
He's definitely very handsome. Glad you were able to relocate him. How big is he going to get?
ReplyDeleteSuch a beauty.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favorites.
If snakes can be beautiful, when I guess he is, but to me, a snake is a snake, and I don't want to be near them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snake; I might prefer it to the birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful markings Carol. You certainly have some great visitors.
ReplyDeleteHe's gorgeous! Well, I say "he", but I have no idea how to sex a Red Rat Snake - any idea if he was really a he?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully marked snake and you got great captures. Seems funny it would live in a bird house, but I guess that could be the open buffet. I can understand you not wanting it around the feeders, but would be a great asset to keep little rodents away. Sounds like it's in a good/better place now.
ReplyDeletePretty snake. (S)He didn't look that big with just the head sticking out the hole.
ReplyDeleteWow! Fantastic photos of such a colorful creature!
ReplyDeleteDo you get any poisonous ones around? I do, around my place, some deadly but the majority are harmless. Most of the folks in my country have the nasty habit of killing snakes whenever they see one. I don't kill snakes, venomous or not. Actually,I don't kill any animal, don't even fish.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding shots,great looking Red Rat snake.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
I appreciate seeing your beautiful visitor and reading about your compassion and love of animals. This is a feel-good blog for me to visit!
ReplyDeleteWhat use is it to have bird houses if snakes are the only ones that inhabit in there. Rat snakes love to crawl into birdhouses they probably smell a possible lunch coming ahead.
ReplyDelete