One of the wonderful things about being in the Frontenac Arch is the access to wildlife. It is one of the two areas in Ontario where the Rat Snake can be found. Rat Snakes are the largest snakes in Ontario and can measure 7 feet long. Luckily for us, they are non-venomous. The Eastern Rat Snake is designated as threatened both provincially and nationally and is a protected species. I have seen the Eastern Rat Snake on my parent's property in Perth Road many times now. They always catch me off guard at first but I am fascinated by them. This particular day I was having lunch near the kitchen window where a beautiful lilac tree acts as a resting point for birds that come to the feeders outside the window. I watched a Ruby-throated Hummingbird sip from the feeder and then land on this branch. The Rat Snake was inches away from him. Although I appreciate the natural instincts and circle of life in nature and go out of my way not to interfere, it was particularly hard to watch this snake slither towards him. Hummingbirds are not known to sit for very long so I was surprised when my pounding on the window didn't budge him. I frantically ran out the front door to scare him off. Luckily it worked, the hummingbird got a second chance at life and I was able to grab my camera and get a shot of this beautiful creature.
"Back to the Rats" 10 by 20 acrylic on canvas.