May 29, 2023
Seems we’re now beyond the first exciting blush of Spring ….. the first new leaf, the first flower bud, the first darkling beetle; the first feather duster seed head of the Apache plume, the first hummingbird territorial battle, the first frantic squirrel noisily defending her nest.
Having logged all the new flower species, insects, birds and mammals encountered on our favorite local trails, it’s now easy to daydream while hiking; easy to let your guard down and wonder about things like “where are all of the snakes hiding?” and “why haven’t we seen any roadrunners?”
It was while pondering these interesting questions along a stretch of trail bordered by oak scrub, that out of the blue, a short 10 feet in front of my next step, a roadrunner glided by and hop-jumped aboard a granite boulder! Shocked at how close and calm he was, I froze in place, not wishing to spook him. Having such a magnificent bird so close is a rare (for me) and crazy cool encounter. After a moment of stillness and observation on both our parts, I dared to take a photo. That bird didn’t care one bit, and was so incredibly unconcerned about my presence that he began preening his feathers, ruffled and shook, and started scanning the landscape for lunch.
Well, about a dozen or more photos later, it was time for me to resume my hike and catch up with Roy and Luna. I excitedly shared my encounter and photos with them (Luna wasn’t impressed) and wondered again, out loud, why we haven’t seen any rattlesnakes yet. Surely that roadrunner was hungry.
…… and then, out of the blue was the snake! About 5 minutes further along the trail was a 3 foot western diamondback rattler with 7 furiously rattling buttons on the tip of his tail! Luna jumped sky high, Roy came to a skidding stop, and I quickly (but oh so cautiously) approached to take photos! A very cranky snake he was too!
It was a good day for a hike!
a curious nature 
Spring season’s awesome drawing photos especially poisonous snake 🤔and beautiful
explanation given by dear Friend 🌹💕🙏👍 Lucky snake never harm dear you all 👏😯
Take care always nicely when hiking time, so many poisonous creatures can see ,
My daughter and her husband also go always mountains hiking ! They will tell stories
They saw on the way !! Thank you dear for sharing and grace wishes 👏❤️🤩
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Wow … what wonderful comments Thattamma! I’m happy you enjoyed my post. We do take great care when hiking because we know snakes are always out and about. They especially like to hide and wait for their strike. Our dog usually smells them first, so that helps us know a snake is close by. And we look even closer when roadrunners are out in the open as they are hunting, like the one I saw in this post. I would love to hear the stories your daughter and husband tell about their hiking adventures!
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Thank you so much 😊 🙏and most welcome my dear friend 🌹👏♥️
Your dog with you then nothing to worry , 🐕 will follow with great
caution ⚠️ I showed the photos to my daughter , she shocked 😳
All The Best wishes dear 🌹🙏♥️🌹
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Oh, Barb! You had me on the edge of my seat with this post! How very exciting to be surprised by a Roadrunner. Love all the interesting facts – wow, they eat rattlesnakes?! X-shaped footprints, don’t drink water – what a special bird! And, well, the rattlesnake encounter would have me jumping out of my skin. Although, observing from a distance would be ok, as I am curious. Thanks for sharing this eventful hike!
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Love your comments, Karen! Thanks so much for hiking virtually with me. I was seriously thrilled about the roadrunner encounter. The snake not so much, but it’s always important to see the first and study it closely. I call it “getting my snake eyes!” They blend so well, visual reminders of what to look for are crucial to avoid the consequences of getting too close or (good grief) stepping on one! Now we’re prepared!
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Right! It’s a good thing to hear the rattle – the warning to move away is greatly appreciated so one can admire from afar! Glad you had some observation time. Wow, that rattle is impressive!
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You better be careful what you think about if it’s going to appear!
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Oh how right you are!
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