WNJ Exclusive: Northern water snake in Dismal Swamp
by David Wheeler
A recent hike around the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area revealed a fantastic range of summer wonders. Cedar waxwings dive-bombing the meadows. A muskrat tiptoeing along a fallen branch across the Bound Brook, before diving in and swimming downstream, its tail trailing along behind it. A family of wild turkeys scurrying along the forest floor in search of acorns and mast. Protective red-winged blackbirds sharing the air above Turtle Pond with a reclusive green heron, while a painted turtle slowly crossed the path below.
But what really caught my eye was the northern water snake sprawled out along a hard-to-reach corner of Turtle Pond. Water snakes live commonly along the pond edges and marsh in the region, yet mostly stay tucked away out of sight. In typical walks around Turtle Pond, the most you expect to see of water snakes is a quick glimpse as it surges into the water - or more likely, just the swaying of the grasses along pond's edge in the moment after the snake has left its sunning spot.
On this day, the water snake either didn't hear me, or simply ignored my presence. And I was treated to watching it wait for its prey. Much of its body was submerged, but it's head stood out prominently - looking at first glance almost exactly like a bullfrog - same size, same basic shape. If it could fool me, perhaps that's a sign it would soon enjoy a passing dinner.
For information on the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, visit www.NJDismalSwamp.org.
David Wheeler is the Director of Operations for Edison Wetlands Association and the author of Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State.
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For information on the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, visit www.NJDismalSwamp.org.
David Wheeler is the Director of Operations for Edison Wetlands Association and the author of Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 7/12/2011 2:00 PM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Reptiles, Dismal Swamp
Tags: northern water snake dismal swamp Cedar waxwings red winged blackbirds turtle pond green heron
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Reptiles, Dismal Swamp
Tags: northern water snake dismal swamp Cedar waxwings red winged blackbirds turtle pond green heron
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