Stunning Beauty

Look at what I encountered on my swim - a magnificently patterned Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) enjoying the warm shallows at the water's edge. It looks so perfect in its natural habitat. 

I wish I'd got closer to get better shots, but I was loathe to disturb it further, and my shadow kept masking the light. These sinuous beauties are nonvenomous, so they don't pose a threat to us.

Still, it was mesmerizing and special, despite the shots not being ideal.