Brown Falcon wrestling Brown Snake.

[hotspur]

In a graziers' paddock looking at grass re growth,we saw this raptor dive down,but not come back up,moved over to the fence to see what he was doing-he took off with a snake!!!!

It was a Brown Falcon (Falco berigora) with common (but highly venomous) Brown Snake.We could see it all happening before our eyes -was just totally amazing to see in the real.I had the 400L and 50D and got these images-not the best-heat haze and distance.Heavy crop-but worth the grain-as interesting behaviourial images

It appears the brown snake,had a bit of fight left in him (unfortunately).I have seen these Brown falcon's before in graziers paddocks,In the past with these snakes.

A raptor specialist in the ornithological department at a museum would find these interesting.I hope this might be of interest to some members.

Thanks for looking-Chris

[koputai]

Very cool Chris, it must have been great to see. It's a pity you weren't a bit closer, but them's the breaks hey mate!

Cheers,
Jason.

[DavidTrap]

Closer to a highly venomous snake and a bird of prey??????!!!?!?!??!!

Interesting shots Chris - does that 500L ever leave your grasp?

DT

[jjjnettie]

Well nabbed Chris.

[hotspur]

Thanks David,Jason and jjj.Yes-really just a 'grab and go' shot.not the best quality-but great to get some sort of image,as really all happened quickly.

The 400L and 50D fit in a small kit bag,and its just the right size fit in a single cab ute with two people,so I try and take it on these quick paddock trips.

Yes,would like to get closer to this sort of action,one day........

Going by the images,and looking at specs of falcon-has wing span up to 1.2 m
So saying this one had a span of 1 m,using that as a rule the snake is still approx 95 plus cm!

It appears in image 5,the snake was still lively,no wonder the falcon dropped it!

[Ric]

Amazing shots Chris

Top stuff, right place right time.

[dj gravelrash]

cooooooool