Santa Clara Ranch - Day 3

(back blipped on 9 June for 8 June)

One of the things we all wanted to photograph was a rattlesnake.  Of course, as with all things in nature, there is no guarantee of anything but luck was in our favor when one of the ranch hands found a very large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake early in the day.  He captured it and kept it in a safe spot until the day had cooled (the intense heat of the day can actually be dangerous for reptiles like this).  

After being given some very specific precautions (staying 10 feet away, and prepare to leave all gear and run if so instructed) we all got down low and got our long lenses aimed. The somewhat disgruntled snake was released and then "herded" to keep it from heading for the sagebrush.  Hector, our head photographer and host, skillfully kept the snake in position for photos.    Shutters were blazing, hearts were pounding, every face wearing a big grin. I chose this image for several reasons - tongue visible, rattle visible and coiled so that the beautiful skin could be seen).  Once we were all done, the snake was gently corralled back into a container and then returned to the very spot she was collected.  

The whole final day was just wonderful.  The morning spent in the raptor blind enjoying the shows being put on by caracaras, Harris hawks and an assortment of other birds.  The first part of the afternoon was spent at a watering hole where we got to see some great birds and a gorgeous little Desert Cottontail having a drink (I shall try to put that in Extra).

Another wonderful dinner at the ranch and then we said our goodbyes to Jeffrey and Hector as both were headed to the airport very early the next morning.  

It's been a wonderful 3 days.  The group of people on the trip were all skilled photographers and genuinely nice human beings.  No drama, just a shared passion for photos and nature.  Many laughs along the way, too.

And I saved a bit of dark chocolate from Costa Rica to savor before collapsing for the night.

xo
Debbi