Autocorrect

The now cleared patio

All right autocorrect, enough, stop it.  I didn't write, "Yikes, Mac found a copperfield on the patio"; he didn't find David Copperfield sunbathing on the brick patio, NO!  He found a copperhead snake.  A poisonous viper that he safely removed to the empty lot next door.
Then the next day he found another one, about  3 feet down from where he had found the first one.
Copperheads like to lay in woody areas, damp areas, compost piles, sawdust and piles of leaves.  And that's exactly where Mac found the two of them.
Over the last couple of months leaves had gathered up next to the wooden fence at the back of the patio.   Now that it's cooler Mac wanted to clear the area and boy did he.  Be assured that leaves will no longer gather in this area.

Copperheads are  vipers and though not extremely poisonous they are quick to bite.

From the internet:

Bite

Unlike most venomous snakes, copperheads give no warning signs and strike almost immediately if they feel threatened. Copperheads have the dubious distinction of having bitten the most people in the United States, but fortunately, their venom is not very potent. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems may have strong reactions to the venom, however, and anyone who is bitten by a copperhead should seek medical attention.

So autocorrect, when I say Copperhead, don't correct me, I'm pretty sure David Copperfield won't bite me  and I worry that this guy might!