Eastern Fox Snake

An Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis gloydi) keeps an eye on your narrator. I had just set up my tripod near a ditch when I noticed the snake loafing near the water's edge. He was over four feet in length and quite well marked. I eased towards him to pick him up for a better look - they're gentle and I have never had one try to bite - but he quickly slid into the water. He didn't go far and watched me as I watched warblers. Keep an eye out for these handsome reptiles if you're at Magee Marsh, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and vicinity. I encountered this one in that region yesterday.