Posted by Dornbrau (Colorado Springs, United States) on 10 April 2007 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
A red tail hawk and a bull snake are locked in a deadly embrace on the prairie. The hawk obviously underestimated the strength of it's prey and the snake was able to wrap itself completely around the raptor, bending its tail back and rendering its wings useless. My appearance with my husband distracted them, or maybe they just lost the will to fight, but eventually the snake loosened its hold on the hawk. The hawk shook out its roughed up feathers and took a defensive stance in our direction, then decided that we were no threat and with a hop and a mighty flap, it took to the wind and flew away. The snake hissed at us for a moment longer before slowly and painfully slinking away in search of a hole to recuperate in. I try not to intervene in the ways of nature, but after looking into the eyes of both creatures as they lay entangled in each other's grip, knowing that they intended to kill or be killed, I have to admit that I am glad I showed up when I did and that both animals survived the encounter. I know the hawk was only trying to feed itself, and I know the snake was only trying to defend itself, but it would have been so sad to witness the demise of those two magnificent creatures.
*Fort Carson, Colorado
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I must say I was worried when I started reading your caption. I assumed things would not turn out good for the hawk. I too, like you, understand the whole circle of life thing but I hate watching animals suffer...but still...Its a great shot :)
10 Apr 2007 9:50pm
@JosefQ: At first I had no intention of interferring, but after looking into their eyes and knowing that they would both die I found myself deliberately moving closer so as to get them on the defense with me rather than each other. It worked and they were able to untangle themselves (okay... with a little help) and turn their guard on me. They had all but forgotten each other as they sized me up. I half expected the hawk to scoop the snake up and fly off with it, but I think they were both so happy to be out of their predicament that they just took off home as fast as they could before the other changed its mind.
Great image of a dramatic fight for life! Here between us I'm glad you intervene... ;-)
11 Apr 2007 6:16am
oh wow, that's very confronting. Good and clear shot! I can deal with dead snake but not birds. Is it just me or does the snake looks like it's smiling? Heh.
11 Apr 2007 6:26am
@Tempting Lisa: That was the first thing I noticed about the snake! Yes, it really looked like it was smiling, even up close. Then I saw how badly it was wounded and I began to feel sorry for it. It survived the fight but I wonder if it survived the night.
Amazing shot, seem like watching discovery channel :)
It is nature, survival of the fittest is the rule, what we can do?
11 Apr 2007 8:17am
@JV: Survival of the fittest, yes, I was thinking that at the time. And I was almost going to drive away leaving the two locked in a battle neither would win... but the look in their eyes... I just couldn't leave them like that. With my luck the next time I go out there that hawk will bomb me from the sky and the bull snake will bite me! Hows that for justice?
First off WOW! What an amazing shot and second FANTASTIC story behind it! BRAVO!!
11 Apr 2007 8:36am
WOW!!!!!!! Amazing capture. How great it is to be a witness to this battle in nature. I know what you mean about not wanting to intervene yet being glad you did. Both must eat though and this is the way of things in the wild.
I would have been rooting for the hawk though. His eyes look terrified in this photo.
11 Apr 2007 9:40am
@Laurie: I was rooting for the hawk until I saw the snake's injuries and realized how bravely it was fighting for its life. Looking back I can't help but think that the hawk was probably more embarassed than anything else, after all it did get pinned by its dinner!
I have to go with JosefQ's reaction... In philosophical terms, I can't help but think we humans interfere way too much in the ways of nature (but for once I'm glad you stepped in! I absolutely love hawks maybe that's why...)
11 Apr 2007 7:50pm
how lucky you were to be able to thake this shot. since we are part of nature, I think in this case you did not interfere. these is the way the natural flow goes and you must have been just one with nature in that moment, otherwise you would have missed. I love birds and snakes (not to talk about all the rest of the animal world) and I am very greatful for your sharing this shot with us.
18 Apr 2007 1:35am
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Colorado At The Speed Of Life
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Colorado At The Speed Of Life