Description
Brook Trout: Salvelinus fontinalis
These trout are one of the prettiest and are a very popular sport fish. They grow to and average length of twenty-one inches and a weight of about fourteen pounds. They are actually native to Eastern Canada and Northeastern United States but they are common Western fish now. They prefer cold, clear, fresh water normally but are found in salt water and tidal streams. Looking after our streams and creeks is essential for the survival of fish like these and for the bird pictured in the head.
The Rufous Hummingbird: Selasphorus rufus
This curious little three and one –half inch bird tapped on my studio window as I painted him. His rusty colored back (females are dull green) sets him apart from other species of hummingbirds. They breed in northwest North America and winter in Mexico. They are very territorial and attack other hummingbirds trying to feed in their area. They feed mainly on nectar but do eat small insects and spiders. They are a gardener’s delight as are:
The Common Garter Snake: Thamnophis sirtalis
Pictured in the trout’s belly this is a nonpoisonous snake found widely distributed from southern Canada and most of the United States. They grow in length from eighteen to fifty-eight inches. They are passive normally but become quite belligerent and will try to bite if captured. They also let off an unpleasant odor when handled which is part of their protection system. They live in a diverse geography; from fields to marshes, roadsides to gardens where they are welcomed for eating many pests.
