I was a member of a group, including my Mother and Father in law ( Dr. Albert and Janet Jabs), who were guided on a nature tour at Timmerman Trail this afternoon. As I entered the street leading to the trailhead I was able to get photos of a Turkey Vulture feeding on carrion in the street.
The tour was lead by Dr. Rudy Manke, a well known local biology professor and TV and radio personality. I had not met him previously. He was extremely knowledgeable of course, and a humorous, engaging speaker, very practical. I scared a snake into a pool of water before I was even able to get a photo of it. Probably some Nerodia species, possibly a Cottonmouth. Most of the tour Dr Manke discussed the botanical species we were encountering, but some insects too, as well as their interaction with the flora. He was able to "voice" Cope's Gray Tree Frogs and Mockingbirds for us. We probably covered no more than 250 yards of trail in 2 hours (and the same distance back out within that same time frame).
At the very end of the walk however, we encountered a Copperhead that was crossing the trail. Dr. Manke captured it in his butterfly net and held it for us to get some photos. I entered those photos as observations here in INat of course. A very beautiful animal, and a wonderful end to our great nature walk with Dr. Manke. We were all very appreciative.