First snakes of the year!

Saturday, Joy and I took a walk at Southeastway Park with Rachel. A lot of the spring wildflowers have come up and are blooming. Especially profuse are the Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadense) and Harbinger-of-spring (Erigenia bulbosa). Some Spring Beauties (Claytonia virginica) and Violets (Viola sororia and pubescens) were blooming also, but in lower numbers. In addition to all of this, it was a pleasant surprise to find a pair of snakes up out of their winter hiding place. The larger garter snake seemed to be clearly communicating, "do not disturb!" with its eyes. Rachel didn't leave the trail the rest of the day. Coincidence? ;)