Yesterday I noticed a couple of birds fluttering in the grass on the hill in my backyard. I initially thought they were fighting and one might have been injured and hidden in the tall grass. Regretfully, I didn't take a closer look. I had to run out to the store and get some things for dinner. While at Costco, my wife called and told me our 6 year old son had found a garter snake eating a bird in the backyard. I told her to get the camera and take some shots but then I realized I left the camera in the car (with me). This was a garter snake eating a bird for crying out loud! When I came home my son directed me to the snake.

There were other birds flying over head, some sitting in the trees nearby, and a couple were keeping a close eye on the snake, a Puget Sound Garter Snake (
Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii).
Two of the birds came within a few feet of the snake as I took pictures. Based on the lump in the snake, I think it's possible the snake caught two birds this afternoon, or possibly another food item in addition to the bird. The birds would go up to the snake without fear.



Often we see birds picking seeds and insects off the ground in the backyard. The snake no doubt caught the bird(s) when they got too close.

It also looks like the snake sustained some injuries to its head and neck.

The snake had a difficult time crawling away.
Maybe a more typical meal?

Casey