Top Photo: Rat snake in a tree.

The rat snake above and below was in the branches of a dawn redwood tree alongside the boardwalk leading to Explore the Wild. It’s not unusual to see a rat snake in a tree, they dine on bird eggs and nestlings among other creatures like rats, chipmunks, frogs, lizards and similar small wildlife. They are excellent climbers.

The catbird in these photos was harassing the snake relentlessly with quick salvos with its bill at the snake’s tail and mid section when appropriate. Catbirds nest in trees, and this one likely had a nest nearby.

The catbird finally convinced the snake to exit the tree. It followed the snake on the ground until the reptile climbed into another tree, the bird pecking and jabbing at the snake the whole time.

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The catbird kept up the assault for more than an hour. Unfortunately I wasn’t on hand for the final outcome, as is often the case in these serendipitous wildlife encounters. I had other duties to perform and had to leave the site.

In other news, button bush is in bloom, its 1” – 1.5” spherical flowers inviting insects to spread the plant’s pollen.

And most gloriously, hibiscus is in bloom alongside the Floating Walkway in Explore the Wild.

Keep an eye out for lady beetles. The one pictured here is a pink lady beetle, or pink spotted lady beetle. This one is on a milkweed leaf. Lady beetles favor aphids as their main prey.

Tiny and fragile looking plume moths are named for their feather-like wings.

And finally, I couldn’t resist shooting this slaty skimmer as it perched just feet from me alongside the Floating Walkway.

So, what are you waiting for, get out and have a look around. You may not come across a snake in a tree with a bird attacking it every day, but you can surely see some mighty spectacular flowers.

The truth is, you never really know what you’ll see, but you won’t see anything if you’re not out there.

Ranger Greg