A Boy’s Fascination with Snakes & Creepies

“Come see,” our grandson called from the screen door.  “I found a snake outside.” He was so excited that we couldn’t disappoint him.  So four adults rushed to the side yard of the house.

A garter snake slithered through the greenery and among the stones.  “He’s so long,” Alex said.  He didn’t want to pick up the snake, but watched until it disappeared.

Image: sxc.hu

He has the same fascination with salamanders and will pick them up.  He and his cousins spend a vast amount of time looking for these under stones in the area around our house.  The turn over stones and look beneath fallen logs.  (We don’t have a lawn of grass around our house, but simply “tamed” woodland.)  This has given, first our daughter and now her children, ample area for nature explorations.

What curiosities of nature can children find around your home?  Even in urban areas with sidewalks and concrete, there are ants and birds, and occasional flowers.  We lived in the city when my daughter was two-years old.  I was amazed at the curiosities of nature the toddler could find as we walked from our apartment to various shops.  She made me aware that there was more than concrete and buildings in this area.

Take time to look at your surroundings through the eyes of a child.