The Everglades -- Reptiles
Welcome to a gallery of a few photos from my collection.
Please note that all the images here are protected by copyright and that they may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced in any way without my express written permission.
Thank You and Enjoy,
Grover Larkins
Coral Snake -- Micrus fulvus
POISONOUS!!!
This is a photo of an animal rescued from a South Dade Agricultural area by Roger Hammer -- it was released after being photographed. The Coral Snake is not Uncommon but it is extremely shy, spending most of its time under leaf litter and in out-of-the-way places, and as a result it is seldom seen and even less often photographed. I've digitally removed a couple of wood chips from the image -- this was NOT done in the published version of the photo but when I scanned the image the white of the chips was somehow enhanced to the point of obnoxiousness....
Nikon F4S, 55mm f3.5 Micro Nikkor, SB-24 and SC-17 Cord
f 16 @ 1/250 sec.
Kodak KM - 25
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake - Crotalus adamante
POISONOUS!
This is a two meter long snake found out at Eco Pond in Everglades National Park -- When photographing poisonous snakes keep at a distance and above all be aware of where your extremeties are; the snake will most certainly inform you that your feet are nearer to it's head than your head/hands are!!! Better yet leave this to those who have a lot of experience, I've years of experience in handling poisonous snakes and IF I find it necessary to handle one I use a hook or tongs. In a National Park you are not allowed to handle them anyway although I've been known to move them off the main road at night using either the threat of my presence or a tripod to prod them into abandoning the pavement where they would be vulture pizza by morning.
Nikon F4S, 200mm f4 MF Micro - Nikkor, tripod
f16 @ 1/30 sec
Fuji Provia
Pygmy Rattlesnake
POISONOUS!
Everglades National Park -- This little guy is the most common snake in the park, not considered "deadly" it is toxic enough to cause an adult great discomfort and either shock, allergic reaction or infection could possibly result in death. Needless to say the consequences of a bite are far more serious for children. This is another animal which was working on becoming road pizza until he was convinced to move by a large mammal's encroaching on his "space" (me).
Nikon F4S, 200mm MF-Micro-Nikkor, SB-24, SC-17 Cord, Sekonic L-718
f11 @ 1/250 sec., Manually metered flash -- power set to get f11
Fuji Sensia 100
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
POISONOUS!
This is a young snake, about 24" long, older animals tend to be (1) larger and (2) darker in color. Capable of delivering about 200-300 mg of venom this animal, like the Coral snake and Diamondback, is not to be trifled with. Even this small and example can give a potentially lethal dose of venom to those foolish enough to mess with it.
Nikon F4S, 200mm MF-Micro Nikkor, Photoflex Reflector
f16 @ 1/125 sec.
Fuji Sensia 100
Alligator -- Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida
Nikon F4S, 400mm f3.5 EDIF-MF Nikkor, Tripod
f 8, Aperture Priority
Fiji Sensia 100
More will come later!!!