Eastern Painted Water Turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) - Pleasant Plains Road, The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey
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I was surprised to see these guys out and about today, but it was a crazy nice day and these guys weren't about to miss out on it!

Tags:   KH0831 TheGreatSwamp 2011 Great Swamp Swamp NJ Turtle Herp New Jersey New Jersey Nature

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Ribbon Snake - The Blue Trail Wilderness Area, The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Green Village, New Jersey

I was off trail and about to step over this log when I noticed this guy. I immeadiately backed up and it stayed long enough for me to make a few captures as it very slowy backed off the log into the undergrowth.
I spooked quite a few snakes walking off-trail today, but most of the time they were in tall grass and photographing them wasn't possible.

Tags:   KH0831 TheGreatSwamp 2011 Great Swamp Swamp WildernessArea Animal Portrait NJ Snake Macro Herp New Jersey New Jersey Nature

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Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) - WOC (Wildlife Observation Center), The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Gillette, New Jersey

Usually for an eye level shot I have to get down and dirty, but not with this guy!
Most people don't see these guys in the trees ('cause they're not lookin' for them there), but that doesn't mean they're not there!

Tags:   KH0831 TheGreatSwamp Herp 2011 Great Swamp Swamp Animal Portrait NJ Snake Macro New Jersey New Jersey Nature

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Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) - WOC (Wildlife Observation Center), The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Gillette, New Jersey

Usually for an eye level shot I have to get down and dirty, but not with these guys!
Most people don't see these guys in the trees ('cause they're not lookin' for them there), but that doesn't mean they're not there!

Tags:   KH0831 TheGreatSwamp Herp 2011 Great Swamp Swamp Animal Portrait NJ Snake Macro New Jersey New Jersey Nature

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Wood Frog - The Blue Trail, The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Area, Harding, New Jersey
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No it's not a hold-up but I was glad this guy held up his wanderings long enough for a photo op!

Tags:   KH0831 TheGreatSwamp Herp Great Swamp Swamp WildernessArea Animal Portrait NJ Amphibian Frog Macro New Jersey New Jersey Nature

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