canberrabirds

Snakes

To:
Subject: Snakes
From: Ace Frawley <>
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:21:31 +1100
I think I saw this behaviour back in October 2011, between two Eastern Brown Snakes.  It was in the Mt Taylor Nature Reserve and I was able to get a close photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/eucalyptus_melliodora/6222385502/in/set-72157611645418019 

On 25 March 2012 18:18, Ian Fraser <> wrote:
Hi Gwenyth (and anyone who might be interested). These aren't a mating pair, but two males competing for mating rights. They are of pretty much equal size, and are totally entwined. Once one has established his superior strength in a wrestle, the 'loser' slips away and leaves the winner with conjugal rights to the area. Very civilised.

A mating pair aren't nearly as well-matched for size - the male can be a lot larger than the female - and, perhaps counter-intuitively, don't intertwine but lie quietly side by side, joined, for up to an hour.

It's a fair assumption to make though, and I've certainly jumped to the same erroneous conclusion in the past.

cheers

Ian

On 25/03/2012 14:59, Kevin and Gwenyth Bray wrote:
I haven't seen many snakes, but in December, with some Brazilian billets our choir was hosting, we were at Tidbinbilla when we came across a wild life photographer, who had just finished taking pictures of mating red-bellied black snakes.  I did the same.  Later he showed us where another pair was.  These were in the wetlands area.
 
This is the picture I took
 
Gwenyth Bray
 
 
 
 
 
 Gwenyth Bray

02 6251 2087
0406 376 878 (Mob Kevin)
0409 584 342 (Mob Gwenyth)
<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the Canberra Ornithologists Group mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the list contact David McDonald, list manager, phone (02) 6231 8904 or email . If you can not contact David McDonald e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU