Things to shoot while hiking.
Bozsik
Loc: Orangevale, California
Went out hiking the other day. My dog usually comes along as my personal trainer and photo assistant. After enjoying lunch, I stopped to capture this small stream. While doing so, I also spied a small invertebrate, I think it is a Dobsonfly larvae, AKA hellgrammite. The event brought back memories of me just hiking and wandering around as a child enjoying all of the creatures and plants in the outdoors. Hope you like this set of images. When I finished shooting the stream, I was watching a turkey vulture on a rock about 60 yards away. He eventually departed, and this is what I found that he had been feeding on. I must be crazy, but these are all such fun moments. Enjoy.
Interesting set of unusual captures. I find the Rattlesnake captivating. Way back when it appears this guy may have evolved from a millipede with all those leg-like structures. How interesting.
Although you did a good job with the photos, the last photo send me off my lunch. What an ugly critter. Glad I wasn't along with you. Would have loved to see your pup. Maybe next time.
Bozsik wrote:
I must be crazy, but these are all such fun moments.
I must be crazy, too. Great stuff there!
An excellent and unusual set, Dave!
The vulture who fed on that nice, unassuming rattler must've been a real tidy guy (or gal). To the point that or Mr (or Ms) Vulture may be in the grips of a compulsive disorder in the extreme, which may potentially render him (or her) a risk to him (or her) -self and/or to others. In effect, he (or she) may be in immediate need of intensive in-patient therapy.
I suggest you pass along the shot you posted --and any other shots you may have of both the carcass and the vulture-- to the proper authorities. Any you have will assist both lawdogs and shrinks alike. Immensely.
Interesting rattlesnake image and connection to a vulture for sure ! .......thanks for sharing
Beautiful set. I would say the rattlesnake was butchered by a human for the meat and skin. No vulture was ever that neat
Bozsik
Loc: Orangevale, California
Flyerace wrote:
Although you did a good job with the photos, the last photo send me off my lunch. What an ugly critter. Glad I wasn't along with you. Would have loved to see your pup. Maybe next time.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Sorry about the snake. I find everything in nature interesting. Here is a shot of my assistant.
Bozsik
Loc: Orangevale, California
Hereford wrote:
Interesting set of unusual captures. I find the Rattlesnake captivating. Way back when it appears this guy may have evolved from a millipede with all those leg-like structures. How interesting.
I found it interesting how the bird removed the head before consuming the rest.
Bozsik
Loc: Orangevale, California
imagemeister wrote:
Interesting rattlesnake image and connection to a vulture for sure ! .......thanks for sharing
I am thinking a Redtail hawk (which is the most common raptor in this area), probably caught and ate what it wanted and the vulture was there for the leftovers. I did notice the head was removed and untouched. So were the buttons.
So they are very aware of the business end of the snake.
Bozsik
Loc: Orangevale, California
Curmudgeon wrote:
Beautiful set. I would say the rattlesnake was butchered by a human for the meat and skin. No vulture was ever that neat
It is always a possibility, but the head had been removed with a bit of the neck still attached. The head was not cut off with any smooth cutting tool such as a knife from what I could tell. If you noticed, the snake was not in one piece. The buttons and head were a couple of feet away. I think it was killed by another large raptor, and the vulture was interrupted by me before it could really take the snake apart. This was also in a park, but that would necessarily stop someone from doing something like that. living in Northern California, there are not many people around here that would have that on their menu of wild foods. But who knows, there are all kinds of people out there. As long as they are not eating photographers, I guess I will be ok. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate the info to ponder.
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