It’s not every day that I spot a Rough Green Snake out in the open. During one of my recent hikes, I came across one gliding across sandy ground instead of hiding in thick brush where it usually belongs.
Wildlife Notes
Seeing a Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) moving across open sand caught me by surprise. These snakes prefer dense vegetation and are usually seen draped along shrubs or tree branches. Their bright green scales make them nearly invisible among leaves, so finding one in plain sight felt unusual.
I’ve seen these snakes cross unusual terrain before, like in my post about a Rough Green Snake crossing asphalt road. Encounters like this show how adaptable they can be when moving between patches of habitat.
This snake seemed to have a destination in mind. It moved with steady purpose, crossing the open area as if it needed to reach a patch of brush nearby. Rough Green Snakes are harmless and rely on camouflage rather than aggression. They feed mostly on insects and spiders, playing a quiet but useful role in pest control.
Their slender, flexible bodies and strong tails make them excellent climbers. In arboreal settings, they blend perfectly into the foliage, rarely drawing attention unless the light catches their scales just right.
Photography Notes
When I noticed it moving through the sand, I crouched low to get an eye-level view. Using my Canon EOS 40D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro, I focused on its head to capture the fine texture of the scales and that alert, curious eye. If you look closely, you can even spot my reflection in its glossy eye.
Camera Settings:
- Focal Length: 100mm
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/50 second
- ISO: 400
- Exposure Compensation: 0
The natural light was soft and diffused, ideal for bringing out the green tones without harsh glare. I chose a wide aperture to isolate the snake from the sandy background, giving it a clean, natural look.
Closing Thoughts
Watching a Rough Green Snake venture across unfamiliar ground reminded me how adaptable wildlife can be. Nature often breaks its own patterns, giving photographers like me moments we don’t expect. Have you ever seen a species behaving outside its usual habitat?