Don't forget to look down...

[Arlon Motsch]

While looking up for birds at a local state park, some little flash of movement caught my eye. This little rattler was curled up in the shade right next to a well traveled trail. All that saved me was the white on his tail coming into the sun. I was about two steps away when I noticed him. He never made a sound until I got down low with the 500mm. Just a good reminder to be sure and look down once in awhile. I know I will be...



LARGER VERSION


Nikon D90/500mm AF-S, F4, 1/750s, ISO 400, EV -1 (laying on the ground)
Dappled sunlight on a bright sunny day..

[David Fletcher]

Wow! Kinda puts things in perspective. Neat shot Arlon.

[Arlon Motsch]

There have been a lot more snake encounters this year in south Texas than past years. A drought has been going on for almost 2 years now and a lot of water these snakes normally go to has dried up. This one was on a trail down to a small river, the only water for miles around. A lot of them are going into housing areas where people are watering their lawns too. We really need some rain down here. Even the cactus are starting to dry up.. )-:}

[Arlon Motsch]

The grass stems are a bit in the way.

I wasn't going to move them! (-:}

[Harshad Barve]

lovely pose and stick out tounge
great DOF
TFS