This image was taken at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Central Florida. This is a photographer’s paradise. Located a short distance from Lakeland, Florida.
Circle B Bar Reserve is especially terrific for birding from fall through spring, when nature photographers flock there to capture images of the huge white pelicans, tropical-pink spoonbills, sandhill cranes, osprey, hawks, egrets, heron, iconic bald eagles, otter, bobcat, armadillo, fox and dozens of other birds.
Trails may also bring you in close proximity to alligators. Be careful during spring mating and nesting season. In the spring, some trails may close because the alligator nests are too close to the trails.
I was walking quietly and slowly along a trail when I spotted a large Great Blue Heron intently looking at something on the ground. All of a sudden, all hell broke loose and the Great Blue came up with a snake. This lasted several minutes and the Great Blue finally won out.
Shot with a Nikon D800 on Shutter priority, Speed 1250th of a sec, Focal length 360mm, ISO-400, F9, Lens was an 80-400.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 16 comments posted
Jim Overfield
Tom, this is an amazing photo! The look of determination in the eye of the blue Heron and the frantic desperation movements of the snake tells the story. Great shot! Posted: 09/04/2023 18:12:14
Tom Buckard
Jim, thank you for your comments. On a rare occasion I luck out. Posted: 09/04/2023 18:44:45
Michael Braunstein
What a capture! Great impact. Posted: 09/04/2023 19:41:15
Tom Buckard
Thanks Michael, I was very lucky to be standing 25 feet away. Posted: 09/06/2023 08:00:35
Leslie Larson
I hope the snake isn't a poisonous one or perhaps neither will win. Great catch. Posted: 09/05/2023 16:29:33
Tom Buckard
This was actually quite a battle with the snake wrapped around the Great Blue and constantly biting it. The Great Blue did win out and the snake was breakfast but it took over 15 minutes. Posted: 09/06/2023 08:03:54
Mike Cowdrey
A tremendous shot! I wish I had been there. No suggetions for improving such an amazing image, Posted: 09/09/2023 05:49:34
Tom Buckard
Thanks Mike, I was able to shoot about 80 images during this battle and really wasn't sure the Great Blue would win out. Posted: 09/09/2023 05:54:30
Ron Spencer
Great shot of a dramatic struggle! Tough luck for the breakfast snake Posted: 09/12/2023 18:21:41
Cindy Marple
(Groups 67 & 91)
Wow this is pretty amazing. I like that you went with a tight crop here to really show the struggle. I also really like that you left a bit of the body on the right side to "anchor" the image instead of just the floating neck and head!
Posted: 09/15/2023 09:43:40
Tom Buckard
Thank you Cindy, originally I just had the neck but it didn't feel right so I included a small part of the body. Thank you for your comment. Posted: 09/15/2023 16:18:58
Don Poulton
A terrific nature story, Tom, I can see that this was a great struggle for the heron to land this catch. As mentioned, I hope the snake wasn't venomous or else both will be victims. Posted: 09/18/2023 10:33:12
Marge Barham
(Group 38)
Great capture Tom. Looking at the way the snake is wrapped around the neck it amazes me that the snake loses. I mean it looks like it could strangle the Great Blue any second. Well done. Posted: 09/22/2023 08:39:48
Tom Buckard
Marge, I too was afraid the Great Blue was not going to make it. The snake was very persistent and the struggle went on and on. Circle B Bar Reserve is an amazing place to shoot. Much is swamp and loaded with gators. You have to be careful. During mating season they don't allow you on certain paths where there is gator activity. Glad the Great Blue made it. I think they are pretty tough birds. Thank you for your comments. Posted: 09/22/2023 17:21:20
Marge Barham
(Group 38)
Tom, I will have to show you my GBH and Snake photo in my group #91 next month. Maybe you can come back. Posted: 09/22/2023 17:44:08
Tom Buckard
Looking forward to seeing it Marge. Posted: 09/22/2023 17:59:40
