Weekend Preparation

In preparation for this weekend's hike to Old Rag Mountain, I wanted to get a few miles in, just to make sure my legs didn't rest all week. Going to my usual spot, this time after my summer classes finished for the day, I got to the Northwest River Park around 4 o'clock. I figured I'd just do a simple 4 mile hike as to not really push it before the upcoming 10 mile excursion. As usual, I didn't see much for the first portion of the trail, either because this area just lacks wildlife, or because my eyes had not fully adjusted to the differing light than my computer screen &/or books provide to me during the rest of the day. Once I got to the picnic area along the river, as usual, this changed. First there was a beautiful immature Five-lined Skink running across the boardwalk, then it was a Green Snake that ran off before I could even get my camera out. But, the one I never thought I'd see around the park showed itself, very unexpectedly (enlarge the image & see if you can spot it, or just look farther down this page):


This was the first time I'd ever seen one of these deadly animals in the park, and only the 3rd time in my life I've come across one in the wild. I leaned in about as close as I'd ever want to get the shots, probably less then three or four feet, out of striking distance, seeing as how I don't have my own tv show with an off camera medical team waiting at my convenience. Even up close it's hard to spot the Copperhead, it was amazing to see just how well it blended into the leaf litter on the forest floor.


And, just one more photo to give a close-up of the viper-styled head:


After this, I assumed my good luck for the day had shown itself, and it'd be the usual from here on out as I walked down the shuttle trail toward Deer Island & the power bridge. Seeing Titmice, warblers, thrushes, and other small songbirds, as well as the ever-present Pileated Woodpecker & smaller woodpeckers that inhabit the park, it seemed that my assumption was correct. But, again, I was surprised by a rush of feather & wing while crossing the power bridge as a Green Heron erupted from the brushline & landed in a nearby tree. For about 10 minutes I tried to get into a position where I could get a photo, but was unable to get a shot where he was visible. I decided to pack it in, head back to the car, and rest up for Saturday's early morning exodus from the Tidewater Area. Next stop, Shenandoah!