This little snake (about 17 inches) is named after the New York zoologist James E. Dekay.

The brownsnake inhabits light woods, clearings, farms, fields and roadsides and prefers some dampness in its environment.

The inconspicuous small size permits them to live in urban areas.

The brownsnake restricts itself to a small home range such as a pile of rocks or a wood pile coming out only to sun itself.

Diet consists of slugs, snails and earthworms.

Brownsnakes usually hibernate together in large numbers.

The brownsnake is harmless and gentle and never attempts to bite.

Park views:

Insects and birds:

Bird species list: mallard, turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, blue jay, black-capped chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, American robin, ruby-crowned kinglet, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, song sparrow. (13 species)

Some botany:

Morning group:

Afternoon group:

NATURE POETRY

Not while the snow-shroud round dead earth is rolled,
And naked branches point to frozen skies.—
When orchards burn their lamps of fiery gold,
The grape glows like a jewel, and the corn
A sea of beauty and abundance lies,
Then the new year is born.                                         – Emma Lazarus (1849–87) 

Miles Hearn