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Archive 2013 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

morris
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The first is wonderful Craig. Well had you taken that last step you would have gotten to see it's fangs. I'm glad you did not

Morris

May 28, 2013 at 08:12 PM

ckcarr
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Thanks again guys!

In number one, once I realized the snake was not moving I had the luxury of approaching the shot just like a landscape. Tripod, remote, contrast detect focus with a minor manual adjustment to really sharpen the eye... So I just kept the focus on the eye, taking shots at different exposures and apertures. With the D800e and 80-400mm the objective was that maximum sharpness of the eye. Funny, when I look through the images now I see his eye moving, watching me as I moved around!

He eventually got bored and started moving on.

May 29, 2013 at 08:23 AM

waldr_p
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Very nice set, personally I'd be quite happy I didn't see his fangs!

Paul.

May 29, 2013 at 01:17 PM

BrianB.
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Wonderful set of images. I enjoyed looking at them, even if they made me shiver a little. lol!

May 29, 2013 at 10:18 PM

onesickpuppy
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

WOW....14 buttons on that tail!!!

Like already said...........#1 is a LARGE wall hanger

May 29, 2013 at 11:04 PM

Karlchen
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

I have had encounters with Arizona rattlers, so I can really appreciate these, although I am not sure even the longest focal length would induce me to hang around for a closer look. A lot of rattlers will try to get away when spooked, but western diamondbacks, I understand, tend to stand their ground or even get aggressive. These are really beautiful shots. Thanks!

May 29, 2013 at 11:30 PM

birdied
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Great shots. Glad you spotted him when you did. First and last are my favorites.

Birdie

May 30, 2013 at 08:16 AM

ckcarr
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Thanks again guys!

I think I'm glad I didn't see the fangs either! It sort of gives me goose bumps when I realize how close disaster was (just that unknowing step). Especially since we were about 12 miles out in the wilderness.

May 31, 2013 at 11:15 AM

Bryan Hughes
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

This showed up in my search feed today, so I thought I'd come comment and offer to answer any questions about the snake. I am a researcher and educator from Phoenix and I specialize in rattlesnakes.

Great photographs and story. Your experience is actually a fairly typical experience with a very peaceful and misunderstood creature.

A 5' diamondback is truly a rare event in our state. Out of the hundreds that I see each year, perhaps 3 or 4 get into the 4' range. I have seen 3 rattlesnakes, ever, that have been over 5'. It is a definite oddity. That is a pretty colorful one, as well, and it is great to see one so healthy after the rough year they had last year.

Please let me know if you have any questions about them. Thanks again for sharing the photos.

May 31, 2013 at 08:04 PM

dbehrens
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

I grew up seeing too many of these - but it sure trains your eye to be on the alert for those black and white rings. Love the 1st - its a great picture and like the last - a clasic record shot.
Dave

May 31, 2013 at 08:28 PM

Bryan Mordt
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

I don't know which impresses me more, the nice photos or the fact you hiked with that gear! Good job.

Jul 11, 2013 at 01:22 AM

MS PHOTO
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Wow Craig
What a great set, how long did it take you to get the stain out of your shorts??

.
Paul

Jul 11, 2013 at 07:51 AM

cohenfive
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Wow, that's a big sucker! I love seeing rattlers around here, they are very cool animals and usually not at all aggressive. Nice shots.

Jul 11, 2013 at 09:50 PM

Karl Witt
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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Whoa! Crazy cool and daring

Love #1

Karl

Jul 11, 2013 at 09:53 PM

dorian
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

hey craig

really nice work on this guy. you've got bigger stones than me as i would be headed the other direction!

dorian

Jul 11, 2013 at 09:58 PM

azbill
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Excellent captures of a beast of an atrox.
#1 is spectacular, well done!
In 36+ years of actively looking for rattlesnakes in Az, I have only come across a handful of 4-4.5' rattlesnakes and only one specimen that was 5'.
Thanks for sharing.

Jul 11, 2013 at 10:02 PM

waldr_p
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p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · BIG Arizona Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Great shots!

Paul.

Jul 12, 2013 at 03:26 AM

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