SNAKE VERSUS BIRD

IMG_5501 (1).JPG

The countryside exploded with a cacophony of frantic warnings. The trees vibrated with the fluttering wings of alarmed birds. From directly underneath the trees - and by underneath I mean from our front door - I scanned the tree tops. There draped between a cluster of indignant birds was a Boomslang. He hung there like a delicately arranged piece of jewelry around the neck of a princess. Aware of his beauty and power while unperturbed by the screeching common folk, the Boomslang moved at his leisure. It was remarkable to behold. He moved effortlessly and weightlessly. Despite their courageous battle efforts the birds might as well have been invisible. A pile of feathers. Not worth the effort. His prize was in the nests.

IMG_5515 (1).JPG

Over 20 minutes he casually inspected nest after nest. The angry birds didn't stop in their tirade.

IMG_5503 (1).JPG

Nest after nest. After nest.

IMG_5502 (1).JPG

The Spring fledglings have all flown the nest and the hungry snake found no tasty morsel.

IMG_5512 (1).JPG

Lunchtime over and his belly still as empty as all the nests, the beautiful Boomslang disappeared. As did the birds - whether to congratulate their bravery or fluff their embarrassed feathers, I do not know.

IMG_5514 (1).JPG



0
0
0.000
26 comments
avatar

Once in a lifetime to witness this in real life, some really dangerous snakes around, one has to have a little knowledge about snakes.

@tipu curate

0
0
0.000
avatar

Exactly Joan! Without understanding and some knowledge about snakes most people really miss out. We have great respect for them and use every opportunity to teach the children, but we don't want to ignite that phobia

0
0
0.000
avatar

Look up, look down, always keep distance! That is what we were taught, enjoy their beauty, appreciate all the good they do. Brilliant photography!

0
0
0.000
avatar

Fantastic! It's very cool that you were there and thought to document this. I'd stand there with my mouth hanging open. But we have you!

0
0
0.000
avatar

Don't think my mouth wasn't open! It is not a rare experience for us and yet it fascinates me time after time. Of course my mouth also kept opening to tell the children not to stand DIRECTLY beneath the snake - just incase he lost his "footing"

0
0
0.000
avatar

Oh wow, fantastic shots! And once-in-a-lifetime ones as well! What camera do you use though? The images are really good, I like them very much. I am on the search for a new camera.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Weeeeeeeell... you DO remember I live in the countryside. So it isn't exactly once in a lifetime. Although I sometimes wish it was! They're incredible creatures but I prefer not to see snakes around the house as often as we do. At least he was in the tree. The cobras and puffy's are a different once in a lifetime all together

0
0
0.000
avatar

Oh yes, I would prefer to never see them, yet I want them, if that makes sense haha.

Country life is a different ball game. I am big mouth when it comes to living with nature and all that, but I am deep down a city boy who just likes to have various flowers and plants around me without the danger factor linked to it.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Beautiful photos you got of this snake, shame in a way I felt a bit bad that it didn't find lunch after putting up with all the noise from the birds.

This past weekend I took my niece for a hike and we had "the snake talk" before-hand so that we were on the same page. I had to keep reminding her every few minutes as she would sprint off ahead of me without looking at the ground 🙄

Lucky your snake was up above and didn't pose a threat to you on the ground 😊

0
0
0.000
avatar

That is exactly what I say! The tree snakes I don't mind standing and admiring. The slithering ones, that usually see the person as they are about to be stepped on are definitely my choice of adrenaline rush

0
0
0.000
avatar

Great photos, but me no likey snakes.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Can't say I like them. I like them to be as far away as possible

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yeah, a good snake is a snake in another country...Considering the island nature of Australia, that's a long way off! 😂

Unfortunately...well, you know the situation here; deadly snakes everywhere.

0
0
0.000
avatar

We appreciate your work and your post has been manually curated by zoology team (oscurity,nelinoeva) on behalf of Amazing Nature Community. Keep up the good work!

0
0
0.000
avatar

I love your writing! Amazing post and pictures, wahh 😍

0
0
0.000