Saturday 28 June 2014

[Maine-birds] Robin and small sanke

Dave,

I once watched a robin attack a small garter snake on a lawn.  Just as an earthworm, the robin shook the snake, then let it go, then grabbed it behind the head and shook it again.  When the snake was suficiently quieted, the robin swallowed it whole, head first, again just as it would with a large earthworm. 


"Dave Tucker" <dhtucker@comcast.net> Jun 28 03:10PM -0400  

Was witness to a robin having a brief encounter with a small snake, probably
a garter snake, in my yard. I first noticed the robin pulling on what
appeared as a night-crawler kind of worm, based on its size. Then the snake
struck, as I assume the bird had it by the tail at first. The robin sort of
hopped back, but then with renewed fortitude went at the creature about
amidships. The snake struck again, putting the robin off. At this point a
catbird joined in as audience, or perhaps referee. Next the robin grabbed
hold of the snake and flew into the bushes. The catbird sulked and
followed.
 

 
Had never considered that a robin would take a snake. And would they
swallow them whole?
 

 
Dave Tucker, Kittery Pt

The ultimate reversal of the predator/prey relationship :).

bab

--
Bruce Bartrug
Nobleboro, Maine, USA
bbartrug@gmail.com
www.brucebartrug.com

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.  - Albert Einstein

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