The deer story reminded me of this encounter

The deer story reminded me of this encounter:



And yes, I was as close as I look. It was a 5-6 foot Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. We scared the bejeebies out of each other in Silver River State Park in Silver Springs Florida. And yes, I had to change my drawers after this encounter.

I am not a fan of baiting to get photos. I know people do it, but it just is not something I condone because it puts some animals at risk in my area (hunting). My encounters generally occur naturally and that is the way I prefer it. It takes a lot of effort and practice, but it is worth it in the end. You may not get the photos that so many think are the perfect photo (mother nature RARELY cooperates), but you get the animal in its natural habitat doing what it does. If I wasn't like that, I wouldn't have photos like this:



This is a Broad Wing Hawk shot in Shingle Creek in Orlando Florida. He couldn't have given me a better framed photo even in a bird feeder! Of course you won't see these guys at your bird feeder unless they are eating the smaller birds!

Beautiful snake! Looks a little to close for comfort for me, but beautiful. Love the hawk, too.

I definitely agree that the Diamondback is a very cool and clear picture - I would have been shaking too much to get that shot , especially with being as close as it looks.That must be the first picture I have seen with the clarity of that snake - Great capture. As you mentioned - excellent framing of the hawk - cool. I love Hawks, Eagles, birds of prey - but my lenses make it difficult for me to get close ups - Although I did get a 300 zoom recently, just need to get out and practice with it - It is manual, but should be fun.

Thanks for sharing .