Almost had a bad day

Hunter58 · October 26, 2014

Today I was at Linda Pederson Park here in Hernando County, Florida and I came across a Great Egret and a Wood Stork wading near each other. I pulled over got off my motorcycle, grabbed my camera out of the bag and proceeded to walk to the edge of the water, they were on the bank on the other side. Took a few shots, then moved gradually to my left to work my way closer, took a few more shots, then stepping left a few more feet I just happened to glance down to check my footing and I see this no more than 3’ away, it wasn’t moving and I’m grateful that I saw it as it was pretty well hidden, where I was heading I would have surely stepped on it and that might not have ended well. Talk about taking a step back! As you can imagine my heart was racing pretty fast. I did have motorcycle boots on but they only come up maybe 4” above the ankle. I’m thinking about getting some hunting or snake boots that come up higher.

I had a really good morning and took many nice pictures today so all is well that ends well. However I truly got a reminded to “BE CAREFUL OUT THERE”. I hope by sharing this it will remind all of you as well.

Here is the Water Moccasin I almost ran into

Here are the two birds I was going after

Dennis Kaczor · October 26, 2014

Despite the issue with the snake which I don't like them, that was a close call for sure Hunter, good thing that you looked down and spotted it. Too close for comfort for you I bet, and I can surely understand that heart pumping hard. Nice to see that you managed to get the shoots of the Stork and Egret.

Spinner of Tales · October 26, 2014

Good thing you were aware Hunter, nice shots. I have NO love at all for those dang snakes.

Spinner

moose135 · October 26, 2014

I would not have stopped to shoot the snake after that...
:-)

Stumblebum · October 26, 2014

Wish he had his eyes open with a giant rat in its mouth! Nice shooting anyway! cheers!

Hunter58 · October 27, 2014

Stumblebum wrote: »

Wish he had his eyes open with a giant rat in its mouth! Nice shooting anyway! cheers!

Those eyes are wide open. Snakes don't have eyelids, they have a covering like wearing glasses or contacts. It's also part of their skin and will turn cloudy just before they shed.

Here's one I took a while back, from a safe distance that shows the eyes clouded over. This is the most dangerous time to get too close as they can't see well and will strike in defense.

Stumblebum · October 27, 2014

Thanks for sharing that last shot hunter!! What is the safe distance? Cheers!

Hunter58 · October 27, 2014

Stumblebum wrote: »

Thanks for sharing that last shot hunter!! What is the safe distance? Cheers!

I was about 20' away.

pathfinder · October 27, 2014

Interacting with dangerous critters in the wild, is slightly different emotionally speaking, than in a zoo, isn't it?

Snakes are funny, you can go for years without seeing one, and then see three of them in a very small amount of time. It always raises your heart rate just a a bit, doesn't it?

Hunter58 · October 27, 2014

pathfinder wrote: »

Interacting with dangerous critters in the wild, is slightly different emotionally speaking, than in a zoo, isn't it?

Snakes are funny, you can go for years without seeing one, and then see three of them in a very small amount of time. It always raises your heart rate just a a bit, doesn't it?

Very true. I've taken several pictures of them in the wild mostly from a boardwalk in a nature preserve. It's much different when you happen upon them like I did Sunday morning, the adrenaline level really spikes.

Almost had a bad day

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