In my walk around the arboretum today, I came across a bank where a few snakes were soaking up the warmth of the sun. I initially paused in this spot to watch a mixed flock of song birds that were moving through the landscape foraging insects. I heard a slight rustle in the leaves and looked down to find the vibrant head of a red-spotted garter snake glowing like a burning coal. The day felt so calm, and I hoped for peace in the coming year.
There were a couple of other garter snakes moving through the leaves, and a gopher snake was curled up nearby. What beautiful, mysterious creatures they are!
