Three snakes today!

[bloodhound31]

Glad to be home alive today!

Not that I haven't been into Namadji national park before, but today I stopped into the visitors centre. I took the macro lens down to their little dam on the other side of the building to see what I could get. I was not disappointed.

Within a 50 metre radius, I found.....Full story and heaps of close-up photos here (http://barryarmsteadphotography.webs.com/expeditionjournal.htm)

I hope you like the story and pics!

Baz.

[gary]

Hi Baz,

Great story. Sounds line a 300mm telephoto would be a better choice than a macro. :lol:

[jjjnettie]

Beautiful creatures!

[astroron]

Great Story ,Great Pics Baz:thumbsup:
Cheers

[bloodhound31]

I dunno about that mate...getting close is part of the buzz! It was so good to get close enough that I could talk soft tones to each individual snake and see detail without a lens. You get to see so much more in real life that you can in a 2D image.

Thanks guys.

Baz.

[gary]

Hi Baz,

Did you read the story back in 2007 when John Bambury, Andrew Murrell and I took
the trip over to Texas? :lol:

On the drive down through the arid regions south of El Paso en route to the Texas
Star Party, John said to me, "I hope we don't run into any rattlesnakes while we are here".
Anyway John picks up the story in these two threads -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=222278&postcount=39
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=222279&postcount=40

The red bellies are beautiful to watch and they sure love the water and are generally shy.
We are literally next to the Kuring-Gai Chase National Park so we will
spot one now and then in the garden. They love to hunt for frogs in the pond.
The local paper reported that it was a good year for them and quite a few got
into local homes over the summer.

Best regards

Gary

[mangrovedutch]

Nice captures Baz. These snakes are my favourite, and I regularly photograph them, lying on my belly about a foot away. The Red Belly is generally a placid creature, and there have been no recorded deaths in Australia since the Australian Syrum Lab started keeping records in the 20's. They handle relatively well, but I agree with you, it is a total buzz. When aggrivated, they tend to lift their head up and flatten the area just behind the head - Cobra style, exposing their whitish chin and nape, which make for fantastic captures.
I have also done the same with Eastern Brown snakes, on one occasion the snake moved at a rapid pace toward me whilst lying on my belly, only to stop right at the lens and check it self out in the reflection of the lens. That was the most intense moment of my snake photography, but would do it again in a second, it is very addictive, though not recommended. Not wanting to hyjack your thread, Baz, but thought I'd add a few pictures myself. I hope you don't mind. You have experienced a Baz Buzz LOL.

Dutch

[supernova1965]

Hi Dutch if a snake can look mean that first one has it down pat:help:

[rcheshire]

Great adventure Barry - nice set of images. I got a surprise one day wading Avenel creek near Seymour Vic - came across a large Black snake foraging in the weed beds. The amazing thing was that it made it's way under water to the other side of the creek.

No, it wasn't an Eel! And there are no water snakes down this way that I know of. I've spent a lot of time on the water fly fishing in days gone by, and I know the difference. In Gin clear water the scales and red underbelly were evident.

I saw a pair of Eels one day along Deep Creek near Melbourne. Heads out of the water snapping up summer hoppers perched on the bank.

Times when you need a camera.

[GrampianStars]

:lol: swap ya Baz
massive 2mt. brown hangs around under the Obs. Likes to come out at night when the radio is on...
Wondering if I can train it to be an Observatory Guard Snake :rofl:
I've shoveled a few last year curled around the gate and sleeping next to the front tire in the sun....

[mangrovedutch]

I've shoveled a few last year curled around the gate and sleeping next to the front tire in the sun....[/QUOTE]

Probably not good to advertise the shoveling, and you are basically confessing to a Federal crime. These are protected species and it is a Federal offence to harm or handle snakes. You require a license to handle snakes, and the fines range in the tens of thousands of dollars and incarceration, if convicted of harming or killing a protected species in Australia.
I am licensed to handle snakes and have a duty of care to advice, relocate, educate and report breeches of the law, not that I will in this instance as the general concensus in Australia is "The only good snake is a dead one". A mentality we can do without.
I'm not having a shot at you, just offering some good advice, that will save you some serious trouble. Let's enjoy and protect our wildlife, and if you have a problematic snake, contact a licensed relocator.
A little statistic for you - 85% of all snake bites occur due to human intervention trying to kill a snake, if confronted by a snake, stand still, make no sudden movements and it will go on its way - you are not on the menu.

Regards, Dutch

[troypiggo]

You guys is craaaaaaazy, man.

[seeker372011]

you guys are nuts



just looking at the images in the blog and above makes me nervous

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophidiophobia

[Ric]

Great story and photo's Baz.

I admire your determination to get that perfect shot but make sure your snake bite first aid kit is up to date, just in case.

Cheers

[mangrovedutch]

Sorry to have hijacked your thread somewhat, Baz. I just get so excited and passionate when it comes to Australian reptiles and amphibians, I just can't help myself :jump2:.

I'll be good next time :D

Sorry mate.

[bloodhound31]

I love it when God just blesses me with amazing experiences with all the creatures and beautiful things of nature.

It's just fantastic to share images and experiences with others that appreciate animals, no matter how hairy, scary or poisonous they might be or the bad (usually undeserved) reputation they might have.

Animals and insects of all descriptions are just amazing and I am glad you fine folks share the appreciation of them with me!


Hey, don't sweat it mate. It's OK! Just remember next time I'll knee-cap ya! :P ;)

Baz.

[mangrovedutch]

LOL, I already walk really awkwardly, that could be a sight when you are finished with me :doh:, if I miss behave I'll drive down to Canberra for the punishment, wouldn't mind checking out your observatory - even from a lying position on the ground :D.
Just to stir the pot a bit more, it is venomous not poisonous, unless you ingest them (I really want to see the observatory) :P
I agree Baz, we have the most wonderful creatures in this country, we are truely blessed. We live in an awesome part of the world.

Cheers mate, Dutch

[bloodhound31]

Hey Dutch, you are welcome anytime mate. The observatory is gutted at the moment, awaiting pick up. The new one will commence as soon as that happens so it will be bigger and better!