‹ Previous Weekly Challenge Gallery Next ›

Snake in the Grass

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted June 30, 201498 views6 comments

Had my first encounter with the Puff Adder last year about this time.
Although non-venomous, he made a great 'first impression'

This reptile flattens its head when threatened, think I scared it fairly well with my large one-eyed monster

F/16, 1/200th, ISO 500, 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 + 1.4x extender.
580EX flash to fill using a soft-top @ 9:10am. Clear & sunny morning..

Note: Those are cattail shoots in the water, and other native grasses in front. The cattails have cut-off tops because they're a favorite of the deer.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on June 30, 2014 at 6:29 PM

WOW, I thought these guys were venomous. It's easy for me to know which snakes are and are not venomous, I don't get near any of them.....

This is excellent Howard, regardless of his genealogy or hurt factor. Looks like he is in a creek or waterway of sorts. I take it they're not like a moccasin, but understand like almost every snake they're probably water capable if needed. The nice yellow side lighting is perfect for this shot too. Nicely done.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 30, 2014 at 7:05 PM

These snakes are great, Howard, and your picture does it justice especially catching the tongue out. I also like how you've got it peeking between the grass stems. I've rolled one of these over when it was playing dead and it did roll back into the belly up position. They are very intimidating and you have to really harass them to get them to play dead, so I've never done it again.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 30, 2014 at 9:42 PM

Super pose with the head turned back to the viewer and the tongue flicking menacingly, Howard. The grass helps the sense of concealment and danger. Excellent image.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Karen Kane on June 30, 2014 at 10:35 PM

Awesome Howard! Yes, it's head is quite flattened! Turned back on itself and coming through those grasses works really well. Great timing for the tongue as well

Registered on August 4, 2012, 66 Posts, 726 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on June 30, 2014 at 11:11 PM

This looks like what we used to call a bull snake. They can sure hiss and make a fuss. Great head on shot Howard. Looks like it was a bit close for comfort. My, what big teeth you have. . .

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on July 1, 2014 at 11:43 AM

'Snake in the Grass'
I'll bet your jaw dropped when first seeing this guy that morning, quite a contrast from all the super cute subjects you have on your property. Great close-up look at this Puff Adder Howard and perfect detail in the eyes and that forked tongue which really makes this image IMO. The larger version is a must see!
I am assuming that your 'One-Eyed Monster' that you scared it with is your camera otherwise there is much more to the story of this first encounter that I would like to hear about.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments