Watersnake Swimming Toward Me

2023-02-05T15:08:41-06:00August 12, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , |

I photographed this Watersnake swimming toward me in an area known as the Lower Scarborough which is at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. 

Watersnakes are a common sight for many people who enjoy spending time near or in the water. While they can be intimidating, they are usually not dangerous to humans. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and respect for wildlife when encountering these fascinating creatures.

Watersnake Swimming Toward Me
Watersnake Swimming Toward Me

I parked on the side of the tour road at the Lower Scarborough Slough. I had my camera and lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
  • Date and Time Taken: May 31, 2020 (07:37:13 A.M.)
  • Aperture Priority
  • Aperture: f5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec. (as determined by the camera)
  • ISO: 800
  • White Balance: Auto
  • Metering Mode: Evaluative
  • Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
  • Back-button Focus
  • Single Point Focus
  • Focal Length: 500 mm
  • Processed With Luminar 4

Related Posts:

  1. Two Watersnakes Eating Same Catfish
  2. Northern Diamond-backed Watersnake On Log
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Water Snake Draped Over Limb In Water

2023-02-05T15:20:29-06:00August 10, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , , , |

I photographed this Water Snake draped over a limb in the water while at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Water snakes are reptiles and, like all reptiles, they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. By draping themselves over limbs in the sun, they are able to absorb the heat they need to stay active and healthy. This behavior is known as basking, and is common among many species of reptiles.

In addition to regulating their temperature, draping themselves over limbs also provides water snakes with a better view of their surroundings. This helps them to detect potential predators, as well as prey, more easily. The limb also offers a stable perch that allows the snake to rest and conserve energy.

Finally, the coloration of water snakes often helps them to blend in with their surroundings. By draping themselves over limbs, they can use their coloring to blend in with the brown or gray of the limb and become more difficult to see. This provides an additional level of camouflage and protection from predators.

In summary, water snakes drape themselves over limbs in the water for thermoregulation, to have a better view of their surroundings, to conserve energy and for better camouflage.

Water Snake Draped Over Limb
Watersnake Draped Over Limb

I spotted this Watersnake while walking the Sandtown [Read More…]

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