The Journey to the South

Science is amazing, life is amazing. God, who created them all and set things in motion, is beyond amazing.

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Snake migrating: A yearly gathering in Southern Illinois

Common names of some of the species you might encounter on or near Snake Road include:

Spiny Softshell

Northern Red-Bellied Snake

Spotted Salamander

Chorus Frog

Slimy Salamander

Broadheaded Skink

Eastern Hognose Snake

Red Milk Snake

Midland Water Snake

Western Ribbon Snake

Eastern Rough Green Snake

Eastern Garter Snake

Western Lesser Siren

Marbled Salamander

Small-Mouthed Salamander

Midwest Worm Snake

Central Newt

Zigzag salamander

Long-Tailed Salamander

Black Rat Snake

Cave Salamander

American Toad

Fowler's Toad

Copperhead

Blanchard's Cricket Frog

Northern Spring Peeper

Eastern Grey Treefrog

Black Racer

Bullfrog

Green Frog

Southern Leopard Frog

Midland Brown Snake

Common Snapping Turtle

Stinkpot Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle

Ringneck Snake

Eastern Painted Turtle

Red-Eared Turtle

Northern Fence Lizard

 King Snake

Ground Skink

Western Cottonmouth

Five-Lined Skink

Western Earth Snake

Western Mud Snake

Diamond-Backed Water Snake

Notice that lizards and turtles are there as well, to snack on the baby snakes. Also, they would be lunch for snakes. 

My son is an entomologist who did his graduate work at University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana. One event he arranged for undergrads was to take them to view the "Annual Snake Migration in Southern Illinois". 

Sprout experience itenirary

I had never heard of the migration, thought it was something made-up. He described this with great enthusiasm and their one overnight campout went without any mishaps. 

He spoke of making another trip where hunters nailed dead squirrels on to  trees in this forest. This is now considered to be an urban myth, thankfully.

White oak snake, not poisonous

Snake migration is common in warmer seasons

Each of these videos is about 1 min and less. I hope you will take the time to see some slithering about.

Not every person shares an enthusiasm for such creatures. Fortunately, my son does and has taught us to appreciate them.  His primary focus is insects. He had two tarantulas which remained at our house for a few years. 

If a snake of any sort is within a few yards of me, I definitely would scamper away from it. Admire, appreciate, and wonder at snakes, I do. See them close up and personal, I do not.

Cow Chipping in Chatham, Illinois

Yes. Yes, it is.

The Chatham Illinois holds its annual Jaycee Sweet Corn Festival in July every year. A big draw is the Cow Chipping Contest.   (My own photos disappeared, so this are some other photos from other Cow Chipping, which is a very universal sport.)

Future chippers--not afraid to get their hands dirty

My brother Rev. Don Peck and his son Jeremy Peck are extremely involved in this annual event. Don and Jeremy know just about everyone in this town of 12,000 and their crew of friends really know their cow patties.


A team of highly trained technicians are dispatched to the field and extract the day old product with specially designed tools. The correct dimensions were determined by measurement using a toilet seat. The interior is the chosen dimension. (This was a part of my original post.)

Believe it or not, this is serious business. 

searching for cow patties serious professionals

Cow chipper technicians in training

When a pie was deemed acceptable, it was taken to the security container to prevent contamination.  Whispers of sabotage had been heard, suggesting plans to rig the pies with pellets and pieces of gravel. A security squad was in place to guard against such.

Serious business, I mean serious

As said above, this is very serious business.

examining for size requirement

"This event will take place on July 21-23 at the Chatham sports field. Any attendees wishing to participate in the cow chipping throw should attend when the event is announced.  Experience is not necessary. All should understand that participation may result in pungent particulates adhering to hands and clothing."

It's mine.

Competition is serious business.

Boy, I hope I can attend next year's Cow Chipping Contest.