jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Recently, I observed a hawk land on a telephone pole adjacent to my driveway. What caught my attention was the 2 foot garter snake writhing in its talons. By the time I raced into the house to get my camera, changed lens, and returned to snap a few photos, he was well on his way to consuming the entire thing. What I found interesting was that he "skinned" the snake first. He literally peels the skin back as if he were peeling a banana. It was only when he got down to the last 8-10 inches that he swallowed the rest of it intact.

Good to the last inch

ggiaphotos Loc: Iowa

Good for you! I saw one with the snake dangling out of its beak and flying for a tree, however, I was driving at the time and by the time I got turned around he had himself so camouflaged I couldn't spot him so I ended up with no pix.

Those are great shots, excellent set!

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Thanks ggiaphotos. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Joyfullee Loc: South FL

Thanks for posting Jmdenver...interesting captures and informative. Appreciated.

:thumbup:

richnash46 Loc: Texas

Wow! You captured some incredible shots and they are excellent quality! Way to go! :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Unbelievable shots, made my day. :thumbup:

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Thanks BMAC. I hope this isn't the high point of your day!

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

What an amazing series with a unique observation!!!

Bamboo Loc: South Carolina

Very nice! I see a Red Tail Hawk on telephone poles near my home, but I don't have a telephoto lens to capture shots like yours. What lens and are you using and are you using full frame or crop sensor camera?

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

I have a Nikon D7000 with a 70-300 IS. But I really didn't need a big lens. I was only standing about 25-30ft from him when I took these shots.

Indrajeet Singh Loc: Goa, India

:thumbup: :thumbup:

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

BETTER THAN FANTASTIC.

Lloyd L Loc: Blackwell OK

Excellent photos - All of them: However I am questioning whether or not it is a Red-tailed. The brown bib makes me think it is a Swainson's. The Swainson's is slightly smaller and more approachable than Red-tailed. Kettles of Swainson's are now migrating through Oklahoma and are quite a sight to witness. Thanks for sharing. They are beautiful!

angler Loc: StHelens England

Well spotted and good shots.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

Great shots. Not very appetizing but good shots.