Five Cottonmouths at Phinizy Swamp, Georgia
© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 104483276 - Cottonmouth; Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Richmond County, Georgia. January 1, 2022.
As I as leaving Phinizy Swamp after a 7.5 mile hike that took several hours, I was approaching the bridge over Butler Creek when I noticed a couple staring down into the waters below. “What did I miss?”, I asked. They pointed down below to a young Cottonmouth coiled on a cypress knee. “Thanks!”, I exclaimed as I fired off a few shots. I then began scanning the stumps and debris below to find another, no three… four… five total Cottonmouths! It seemed the 81 degree January day was being enjoyed by more than just the human hikers.
The Northern Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake often called a Water Moccasin in many areas. Like rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, meaning it has two heat sensing pits near its nostrils. They are usually fairly thick snakes with a mostly brown coloration, and a pattern of crossbands that is more distinct in younger individuals.
New Year's Day at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia
- Clouds and sun, with a high near 81; wind gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
©williamwisephoto.com Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
- Clouds and sun, high near 81. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
- Journal: http://williamwisephoto.com/photographyblog/january-cottonmouths-at-phinizy-swamp
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
- Clouds and sun, high near 81. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
- Journal: http://williamwisephoto.com/photographyblog/january-cottonmouths-at-phinizy-swamp
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
- Clouds and sun, high near 81. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
- Journal: http://williamwisephoto.com/photographyblog/january-cottonmouths-at-phinizy-swamp
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
- Clouds and sun, high near 81. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
- Journal: http://williamwisephoto.com/photographyblog/january-cottonmouths-at-phinizy-swamp
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
Five young Cottonmouths under the bridge at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
- Clouds and sun, high near 81. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescent
- Journal: http://williamwisephoto.com/photographyblog/january-cottonmouths-at-phinizy-swamp
Comments
Very cool journal entry and wonderful images, William. I enjoy each one and this is one of my faves to date.
@nbdragonflyguy Thanks so much! I was quite excited to find all those little Cottonmouths! William
so cool! now i know where to go to get my lifer!
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