Took a drive along a little used creek road today and while rounding a bend, spotted a hawk chowing down on a possum.
Even on a little used road, sitting in the middle of the road on a blind curve trying to take a picture of a hawk chowing down on a possum is not a good idea. How do you explain that to the guy that comes up and rear ends you.
So I pulled into a corn field access road.
As I struggled for the camera, I was making the hawk nervous. He tried to take off, but his claw got stuck in the carcass and he did a nose dive into the pavement.
Humiliated, apparently, he sat there getting his bearings while I was able to snap off the shot.
Not one to give up a good meal, he flew to the top of a tree 50 feet away and waited for me to leave.
I have possum recipes, but not the nerve to put one to use.
Raw isn’t one of them.
Howard Levett
22 Dec 2012A shed a tear after reading this Ken. All that good fly tying material going to waste. Cheers and Merry Christmas my friend.
Ken G
23 Dec 2012Thanks Howard and Merry Christmas to you.
If I were a fly tier I would never have to buy material, just go for a drive. From squirrel to deer and everything in between, they’re on the side of the road everywhere right now.
bob
23 Dec 2012yah, hey dere. dat’s good eatin’ and yah, good fly tyin stuff too. Merry/Happy
Ken G
23 Dec 2012Bob, according to my wife, her dad used to slam on the brakes for dead things all the time, then take them home for his taxidermy experiments.
You should see the deer from hell. Looks like it went there and back.
Quill Gordon
26 Dec 2012Possums smell funny.
Ken G
26 Dec 2012And that’s when they’re still alive…
Mike M
2 Jan 2013Happy New Year Ken! In 2013 and beyond I wish for you the continued blessing of seeing the beauty in what surrounds us everyday – something very special provided it and you continually remind me to keep my eyes and heart open. Thanks.
Ken G
2 Jan 2013Thanks Mike and Happy New Year to you.
Odd lately is that I always have my camera on me, but haven’t bothered taking too many pictures. Went out every day for the last 5 days and just wandered around. It was more important to be out than to be documenting being out. At least I haven’t lost that interest, even if my camera stays in my pocket.
Jim McClellan
5 Jan 2013You can have the possum. My father would eat anything you could drag out of the swamp, but he said of possum: “It’s greasy and tastes rotten.” However, your picture is great!
Ken G
5 Jan 2013The shot is a little dark, but if looks could kill. That was right after his nose dive into the pavement. He was not pleased at being watched. I’ve heard that greasy rotten comment before Jim. Maybe if I’m desperate I’d do it.