Mackay Island National Wildlife Preserve is better known for its fowl inhabitants. With the annual migration of snow geese, along with the other migrating birds, bird watchers and photographers come flocking to the area. The reptile inhabitants, Copperheads, Moccasins along with the other indigenous snakes in the preserve draw a following also. I should know as I have been one of those that have sat and enjoyed an encounter with the snake population.

Will ya please just go away?

But at the edge of the woods I came across the bandits of the preserve. Stalking around, climbing a nearby tree acting as a sentry. The simple satisfaction of watching the raccoons almost made me forget the camera hanging on my shoulder. With the shutter snapping the raccoons spotted me and watched me with the same curiosity as I showed in them. After a few moments of silence they return to looking for a morsel to eat. What had seemed like only a moment had actually been several hours and numerous rolls of film and a chance to enjoy the raccoons in nature.