2009 Photos: Birds, Butterflies, Beautyberries, Bullfrogs, Bears and More

It's been a busy year -- little time for pictures -- but I have managed to snap a few. As always, I'm blessed to spend much of my time in places where we get to see a bit of wildlife, and I love sharing it.

(in roughly chronological order)

Eastern smooth green snake
Eastern smooth green snake
This beautiful local snake appeared sunning itself on the steps and stayed around long enough for a few pictures. Note the powdery look to the edge of the scales -- it's actually urea powder, as snakes don't urinate, they just excrete the powder.
photo by Mark Minasi