There's a first time for everything.
We've lived at Meadow Knoll for over 30 years, and this is the first time we've seen a snake on a hummingbird feeder. We watched for several minutes, and this five-foot bullsnake didn't move. He was busy pretending to be an innocent, inviting tree branch that a wing-weary hummer can perch on for a good rest and a late-evening snack.
But not for long. Bill fetched the snake stick and wrestled this guy out of the rafters and into a garbage can. This morning, he gave him a quick identifying spurt of white spray paint a few inches behind the head and deported him to the other side of the lake. If we see him again, we'll recognize him. Next time, he'll get a longer ride.
This surprising event prompted me to do a little online research and discover this interesting post on "Hummingbird Predators." Now I know that snakes do prey on hummingbirds (especially nesting birds). The predators' list also includes cats, birds, praying mantids (there's a grisly photo on the link), spiders, bees and wasps, frogs, and even (astonishingly) fish. Do tell!
If you're reading this on my Typepad blog, please know that I'm in the process of moving. You can find LifeScapes on my new website, at susanalbert.com I'll be double posting (here and there) for the next few weeks. Come on over and browse. You might find something that surprises you, too.
Reading note. Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.--Mary Oliver