Snakes and Juncos

Two  things are happening out front of the house.  Hungry garter snakes and junco's nesting in the periwinkle.  Today Tom comes in and tells me that the parent junco's were defending their nest and pecking at the garter snake.  I came right outside.  The junco's had discouraged it, and it wasn't near the nest, but out in the sunshine sunbathing, I guess.  I went after it... it saw me and tried to slither away. I stepped on its tail, caught him right behind his head, and picked him up with my right hand, giving his body support with my left.  Tom said, "Take him up to the top of the hill"... but I did better, I took him all the way to the lake.  He was busy exploring the boat launch area when I left.  Bear was none the wiser, but enjoying the solo walk with Mama.  When I got back, a few minutes later Tom points out another snake.  This one we are calling a she.  She's bigger, and I hate to rid the area of all snakes, so we're keeping an eye on her, but I think she's soon to join her partner up at the lake.  My junco's in the meantime are going back and forth bringing their chicks fluffy things in their beaks.  In the country there is wonders going on just everywhere.