southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) DSC_9038

            As I was filling the birdbaths the birds began to arrive for the bird show.  Almost immediately, there seemed to be a bit of a fuss in the cassia.  I looked over to see cardinals, tufted titmice, wrens and a couple of palm warblers all in the same cassia at the same time.  

As I marveled at such a sight the boisterous calls among my little visitors intensified   tremendously. Then a couple of squirrels that were hanging out in a palm tree nearby chimed in and more birds began to gather and squawk. Two bluebirds, some gnat catchers, a catbird and a red-bellied woodpecker were among the new arrivals to the area in and around the cassia.  

Elvis (Red-shouldered hawk) was nowhere to be found in my yard or the neighbors yard, yet the cries from my little visitors suggested something was up.  Naturally, I went to investigate the situation and found this handsome black racer gliding across the branches in the cassia.  

The birds were taking turns harassing him as he seemed to be trying to retreat.  I must say the little palm warblers are either very brave or not so smart.  They would start a free fall kind of action and stop just short of landing on the snake with their feet.  I'm thinking that's a great way to end up as dinner. 

Okay guys, the show is over I proclaimed.  I took a couple of shots then clapped my hands to disperse the crowd.  The raucous came to a halt as my little visitors either left the yard or went to a feeding station.  The snake was able to go about his business in peace. 

This guy is on the menu for Elvis but I'm not sure Elvis would want to tackle one this size.  He's pretty large. I have critter baffles on the poles of all of the bird feeding stations and of course the bluebird house.  I certainly don't want my little visitors to be ambushed in their home or at the feeding stations. Since I am unable to protect the entire yard, I just have to say, feathered friends beware. There are plenty of snakes out there and they are looking for a meal.  

Have a delightful day and happy snapping.

Taken on: November 11, 2018

Tags:

southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus)

black racer

snake

Sets appears in: • backyard beauties 2018

Camera: Nikon D7200, f/9.0, 1/800 sec, 450mm (=675mm), ISO 1400 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7200
Aperture:	f/9.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/800)
Focal Length:	450mm (35mm equivalent: 675mm)
ISO:	1400
Exposure Bias:	-1/3 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Auto
Gain Control:	High gain up
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Ver.1.00
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