This snake had just finished swallowing a frog (Vickey caught the whole thing, but I was photographing elsewhere and, though racing to the spot when she called me, missed the swallowing event). I was photographing anyway for some reason (I thought I saw a leg sticking out), and suddenly, the snake started smacking its jaw, looking like it was grinning ear-to-ear (if it had ears). Apparently, the actual thing going on is it was readjusting its jaw bones which disconnect when it has to open its mouth as wide as needed to envelope the unsuspecting frog. I could see the bulge (you can slightly in the blurred rest of the snake) of the frog and we could trace its progress through the snake until the snake slithered away.
Thank you for your comments on the runners in b&w, and apologies for the confusion in the original narrative that made it seem like this road would take us into 'town' (i.e., Chicago). It actually takes us into the fishing village of St James on Beaver Island.
Nature doing its stuff! What a privilege to see. I would have found it really exciting to see, if with a wistful dose of pity for the frog too. Great sharp shot.
Nature showing us it’s not all hearts and flowers. How incredible to actually see this happening! Great capture of that mouth sorting itself out. Are there any dangerous snakes on BI Taffy? To humans that is!
What a great shot. Not so sure I would be this close to some of our snakes in Australia. Good to hear this one isn't deadly, well as long as you aren't a frog I suppose.
Nature is brutal in our eyes. Such a amazing look on the snake. I am in awe of your bravery, I do not in any shape or form, like or even appreciate snakes.
