About 20 minutes ago (8:30pm) in the fading light of dusk, Dorothy and I were down walking by the creek when I saw my favourite Nerodia Sipedon (water snake) girl actually fishing for her meal.
She was sitting on the bottom of the creek and grabbing minnows unaware of our presence.
Firstly, it was awesome just how long she stayed completely submerged without surfacing for air, and secondly her effectiveness at grabbing the minnows up was impressive too. as the swarm of fish swam back and forth, she was just effortlessly sucking them down.
We sat and watched until it was too dark to see anymore, it was just amazing to see.
Unfortunately due to the poor light and the fact that it is raining out any attempt to film or photograph would be impossible without either disturbing her or ruining my camera.
In all my life observing the snakes on this property, I have never once until tonight witnessed a water snake fishing.
This particular specimen has been living in the same water hole for quite some time, I honestly believe she is the same girl I photographed and filmed last summer, and when I saw her basking yesterday she looks very gravid too.
Just had to share.
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Thread: Once in a lifetime experience
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08-14-2012, 06:55 PM #1Forum Moderator
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Once in a lifetime experience
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08-14-2012, 07:01 PM #2T. radix Ranch
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Nicely done Wayne. Thanks for including us in your experience.
Steve
5 awesome kids!
Emmy, Kale, Molly, Gabby, Hailee
They are not just snakes. They're garter snakes.
http://www.youtube.com/user/thamnophis14?feature=mhee
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08-14-2012, 07:32 PM #3Forum Moderator
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Steve, Thamnophis was the first place I wanted to post that.
Originally Posted by guidofatherof5
Oddly ssnakess came in second place this time.
I can't prove it, but I honestly think it's that same big girl that Chomper tried to catch last summer.
Her size, location and markings all lean to her being the same snake.
Since she looks like she could give birth any day now, I don't allow the kids to play in the immediate area, as I don't want any of the offspring disturbed by humans.
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08-14-2012, 08:48 PM #4I like snakes!
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Awesome Experience to have! Thanks for sharing with us
mike
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08-14-2012, 09:04 PM #5Thamnophis houstonius
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Really cool story, Wayne! I wish I had that opportunity!
~* Emily *~
Canis lupus familiaris- Tippy, Thamnophis proximus orarius- Proximus, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis- Tallie
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08-15-2012, 01:09 AM #6"PM Boots For Custom Title"
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Awesome experience. One of the things on my bucket list is to travel to Mexico and observe Lake Cuitzeo Garters fishing in the wild. I'd probably settle for observing any wild garters though.
ChrisT. marcianus, T. e. cuitzeoensis, T. cyrtopsis, T. radix, T. s. infernalis, T. s. tetrataenia
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08-18-2012, 09:19 AM #7matris ut plures
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Re: Once in a lifetime experience
Thank you for sharing that story with us, Wayne.
Le Ann
"Research shows that if you're afraid of spiders, you are more likely to find one in your bedroom. I'm really afraid of Johnny Depp."
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