Wild fauna on my property

In my garden, Etowah County, Alabama (IMG_8872)

Under my deck on the intake/output pipe of my instant hot water heater. This is the second brood in this nest this year. Etowah County, Alabama (IMG_0856)

Under my deck on the intake/output pipe of my instant hot water heater. This is the first brood in this nest this year. They fledged the next day. Etowah County, Alabama (IMG_0586)

This is the second brood on this nest this year. It is located under my deck on the intake/output pipe of my instant hot water heater. They fledged the next day. The first brood had 5 babies. Etowah County, Alabama (IMG_0901)

At my patio door, Etowah County, Alabama

In my garden, Etowah County, Alabama It was about five feet long. Didn't move until I prodded it with a twig. Then it vibrated its tail, coiled up and struck at me. When I backed off, it turned and slithered rapidly away. (IMG_4972)