The Nature Photography Thread

[infernalis]

While mowing the lawn a few days ago, I saw a juvenile dove on the grass, it was only a few days away from independent flight judging by it's ability to go 6 to ten feet at a time before returning to the ground, so we assisted it by placing it in my crab apple tree and leaving it alone....



Within moments of leaving the scene, an adult showed up, presumably a parent.



Thw following morning, I checked and found this...



2 days in, and junior had made it's way onto my roof, This afternoon the little one had taken off on it's own accord..

[guidofatherof5]

Nice save Wayne. Doves are such a cool little bird.

[infernalis]

It's no longer on my roof, and no feathers in the yard or bodies anywhere, So I have to assume it's flown off the be free.

Thanks Steve.

[kueluck]

Took a walk today since it was just to pretty outside to stay indoors, and we came across this little beauty. I'm not even sure what kind it is, except adorable. Found in Winston Salem NC.
CIMG0481.jpg

Since I didn't know what kind, it was placed off the path and it burrowed under the leaves quicker than I could take a picture.

[Mommy2many]

Good save Wayne!

[Stefan-A]

Pantherophis alleghaniensis?

[kueluck]

Thank you so much for the ID

Pantherophis alleghaniensis?

[infernalis]

Pantherophis alleghaniensis?

I concur... Rat snake.

[indigoman]

Definitely a neonate rat snake not sure gray or black.

[ConcinusMan]

Judging by your location we can be pretty certain that Stefan's answer is correct. Not sure if you have other rat snake species in your area but even if you do, the babies probably look indistinguishable from one another and black rat would be the most commonly encountered.