During the summer, it is common to see snakes at various places around the lake. Some are poisonous and some are not. Though these creatures have a certain charm and intrigue about them, my favorite way to observe them is definitely from a distance.
“Distance lends enchantment to the view.” ~Mark Twain
walking on a country road 
Fantastic shots of water moccasins and water snakes. All the photos are wonderful, but I especially like the last shot.
Thanks, Timothy! When they take off, it’s amazing how fast they can go.
That are good swimmers.
Snakes just have this mystique that makes them wonderful photographic subjects. But, I agree, from a distance preferably.
The further, the better. 🙂
Thank you for these fine images. As always, I enjoy your Walking On A Country Road images very much!
I use a 400mm lens with a teleconverter to stay as far as possible away from dangerous animals. Having lived in Thailand for 2.3 years, Alaska for two years, traveled to Central, South America, New Zealand and extensively in North America, I have been around a lot of very dangerous animals, so I like to put a lot of distance between myself and them. It doesn’t always work out that way with snakes because they can be small AND very dangerous.
Thanks so much! All of these photos were taken from the safety of a boardwalk. When we are out hiking, I’m always watchful. I don’t want to encounter one and not see it until I’m right on top of it. It sounds like you’ve been to some very interesting places!
I’m use to all sorts of animals but snakes just creep me out!
Me too, and yet it’s always fun to spot one. 🙂
at a distance
The rattlers, and all snakes, swimming. Amazing.
Thanks, Cindy!
Fantastic photography. It must be amazing to see but also scary 😀. Love the shot of the snake swimming 👍
Thanks! Most of the photos were taken from up on a boardwalk and a good distance away. Thank goodness for zoom. 🙂
I’m not a snake person, but I love these photos. The textures, not only in the snake, but the surroundings is amazing – along with a keen eye to composition. Your photography gets better all the time.
Thanks for your encouragement Kathy! We’re lucky to have such an amazing place as Reelfoot Lake in our area. It’s hard to take a bad photo there. 🙂
Wonderful photos, Rebecca, but what kind of snakes were they for those of us who don’t know? I’d love to learn. 🙂
These are water moccasins (Cottonmouths) and water snakes. The water moccasins have a more blocky head and their pupils are vertical (photos 1, 4 & 7, I believe). The rest (photos 2, 3, 5, & 6) are water snakes. Their heads are rounder and their pupils are round. I usually don’t get close enough to tell them apart. That’s where photos come in handy.
Good idea! Thanks for the ID, I would give them wide berth, too!
Love the last shot. We only have three species over here and only one is slightly venomous.
Thank you! 🙂 Our water moccasin or Cottonmouth is also venomous.
Great shots I have seen 5 snakes this year but not be able to photograph any.
Thanks, Andy! 🙂
Oh, you were brave Rebecca. I would not have gotten that close as I’d be afraid it would made a sudden move and send me into the water. You sure got a lot of photos up close. Are these the same type of snakes you photographed all coiled up together a few years ago? I followed a Swedish photographer (who has abandoned his blog now for two years) and I remember sending him your photos and maybe you his photos of snakes which were mating. They were oblivious to John taking the pictures and he was fairly close – didn’t even hear the shutter click.
All of these photos were taken from a boardwalk, so, not really all that brave. Zoom also helps a lot! Yes, these are the same kind of snakes that were in the photos and video. They don’t seem to mind having their photo made as long as you don’t bother them.
Whew! The photos were so close up – yes Zoom helps a lot. I remember that video. I’ve never seen a snake in the wild and the new Humbug Marsh is apparently full of Eastern Fox Snakes as it is a wetland area. The day they opened the Wildlife Reserve, the Congresswoman cut the ribbon (it had been a pet project of her husband, the late Congressman Dingell) and a snake slithered over to her foot. She kept her cool; I likely would have fainted!
Wowza! Great shots!!
Thanks, Donna! 🙂
They are so beautiful. I’ve not seen a snake in water outside of photos, that too is so cool. Thanks for sharing your pics. They do feel as awesome as they appear.
It’s always fun to see one. Thanks, Dawn!
It’s so weird & cute. You’re welcome, I enjoyed it.
my favorite way to observe them is definitely not observing them. Great photos
Thanks, Tangie. I completely understand!