Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: Seasonal alert - A chilling experience to share, 1 by HBJoe

HBJoe wrote:
I am going to take a break from the HUMMINGBIRD SUPER PLANT for a timely warning.

Late this afternoon, I observed a female mockingbird frantically flying back and forth over a large columbine plant in one of my hummingbird gardens. She then flew atop the trellis overlooking the gardens and back again over the columbine, constantly giving her distress call. I had been taught since a child that many animals, especially birds, often give distress calls when a predator is in the vicinity.

Not seeing any predators, I decided to ignore the agitated bird and drag the hose over to the garden to water some thirsty plants. That bird was probably fussing about me being in her territory. The temperature was near 97 with humidity in the upper 90% range. I did one of the dumbest things of my life by ignoring that bird and very nearly paid a price. I share this experience so that others will not suffer potential agony.

Pulling the hose, I stepped over the rock wall into the garden. For some reason, I looked down toward the base of the large columbine. A cold chill ran up my spine. There not more than a 10 -12 inches from my foot, was the unmistakable head of a large copperhead, barely protruding from beneath the leaves. I froze. He didn't move. Looking into his cold black, unblinking eyes and seeing his tongue flicker in and out, tasting the air so near my bare lower legs was more than unnerving. I expected a strike at any moment.

During the hot days of August and September, it is not uncommon for copperheads to move around, often moving up a wooded hill. They are frequently seen at night warming themselves on road surfaces, especially after evening showers. Our home and yard area was near the crest of a hill. Then I realized that this snake was probably seeking shelter in my garden from the intense sunlight. Minutes seemed like hours. I tried to use logic. Copperheads do not always inject their venom into their victim, especially if the snake is full. Even then, toxic consequences are usually mild, rarely going beyond localized swelling, pain and possible infection. Please Lord, let this snake be full.

While the stalemate dragged on, my mind raced for a solution. I slowly eased my eye glasses case out of my pocket. It had been warmed by my body heat. Snakes are known to track heat trails to find their prey. Slowly, slowly I moved the case to the extent of my arm reach. Releasing the only thing I held other than the hose, the case landed with a thud about 16 or so inches on the other side of the snakes head. Immediately he struck the case and I jumped back to safety. I was lucky. Matching reflexes with a venomous snake is a dangerous game.

I went back to the house to grab my camera. This photo was taken as the snake was moving away from the garden toward the road leading to our pond. Shortly thereafter, the unfortunate copperhead ingested a terminal dose of lead poisoning. For many snake species, including copperheads, this is the breeding season. Expect to see them from now to frost. Please watch where you step, where you put your hands and caution your children to watch for snakes in places where they naturally hide. Their favorite hiding place may be in your flower or vegetable garden.