Can snakes whistle? It sure looks like this Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is trying hard to whistle as he purses his lips and seems to be blowing air in this series of shots. Who knew that snakes had lips? This snake has lips that rival those of Mick Jagger and look a bit like they were enhanced with collagen.
When you shoot subjects, how close do you get to them? My general rule for wildlife subjects is to shoot them from a distance (so I can be sure of getting a shot) and then move slowly closer and closer. I was amazed at how close this snake let me approach—this first shot was not cropped very much at all.
I like the head-and-shoulders look of the first image (taking into account the fact that snakes don’t really have shoulders), which draws attention to the snake’s eye. At times, though, I prefer the shots that show more of the snake’s body and my favorite of this group is probably the third shot. I really like the curve of the snake’s body and the tilt of its head. It’s hard to see in this reduced-size image, but two little tips of the snake’s forked tongue are visible in its partially open mouth.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
It’s amazing that he / she let you get that close. Staying in that spot of sun must have been pretty important.
Great photos, Mike. As Bob, from ‘Texas Tweeties’, would say – good bokeh.
Thanks. When you get that close with a macro lens, bokeh just happens. In fact, you usually end up with the opposite problem–it’s hard to keep as much in focus as you want (which is why it’s desirable to use a tripod as often as possible).
I haven’t used a macro lens in many, many years… well before the digital age, anyway. My next lens will be a 500mm zoom lens, which I hope to get soon, in order to get lots of good shorebird shots!!
I started doing macro (flowers and bugs) before I started photographing birds and I love trying to capture minute details. I too would love to get a 500mm lens (fixed or zoom)–maybe this year.
Those are all good shots but I like the third one the best. The tilted head, curious eye and the curve won me over. I think it likes you.
The third one is my favorite one too. I was surprised by how cooperative the snake was, even tolerating the arrival of a couple of other photographers.
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever been so close to a snake’s face. Incredible!
Great pictures, Mike! This snake is cute 🙂 I especially like the last picture, they way he looks at you and tilt his head.. aaw.