Oak Snake (video -dines on Ruby Throat)

Description:

Graphic in nature - a very hungry oak snake snatches a hummingbird out of mid air and eats it. Though this is just nature being nature - it maybe disturbing to some. This is referred to as a Florida white oak snake, or rat snake, as it normally feeds on small rodents. I had moved this oak snake from my bushes twice, and even moved my hummingbird feeder. Thinking the feeder was far enough way, I decided to take a few full length shots of the oak snake (which was about 3 feet long, pencil thin and extremely hungry). Sitting at my pond taking photos when all of a sudden out of nowhere a male hummingbird was hovering too close, and the oak snake snatched it out of mid air. My first reaction was to run to the birds aid, but of course by the time I got there, there was nothing I could do- so decided to video tape the feeding for my Nature Photography series...Note- once the snake swallowed the hummer, I moved the snake to a far off location under some leaf litter - and I will be sure to move them far away if I see them next to my feeding area again..

Habitat:

They live any place where trees are abundant and there is an adequate food source. The snakes can also be found in barns or other outdoor buildings where they catch mice. Although Oak Snakes might catch young chickens or eat eggs, they are normally beneficial and should not be killed.

Notes:

Graphic in nature - a very hungry oak snake snatches a hummingbird out of mid air and eats it. Though this is just nature being nature - it maybe disturbing to some. Some of the best information on these snakes is found here: http://www.tanwater.com/wildlife/white_o...