One afternoon several weeks ago, we noticed a large black snake sunning himself on the golf-course side of our garden. He was at least four feet long. Joe said it was a pine snake and good for keeping the rodent population down. So, I swallowed my fear and we went up on the deck and watched it slither into it's nest in the rocks next to our foundation.

Our bluebird house is on the other side of the property and for several weeks we watched the parents prepare the nest; the mother sitting on the eggs and then, the little mouths open for food. Just a few days earlier I saw wings fluttering inside and judged at least two fledglings were in the box.

About an hour after first sighting the snake I stepped to the window to check our baby bluebirds and saw the snake curled below the birdhouse. The bluebirds were screaming and swooping down trying to chase the snake away. Joe and I flew out the door. He headed for the garage for a weapon to kill the snake so it wouldn't come back and harm the babies. I headed toward the snake yelling "get out of here you &@*$#! snake. (Can you picture the impression on the golf course of my screams and Joe chasing around looking for a rake?)

There was a flurry of birds flying, me screaming, the snake finally heading away and Joe catching it before it got away into the woods. After it was over there were no bluebirds in or out of the nest. Had the babies, though not quite ready, flown out of the nest to safety or were we too late?

A few weeks ago Mom and Dad Bluebird returned with four young ones and started a new family. I love a happy ending!!

Holly Klass