A group of feisty starlings attack a python that had just consumed a large meal. The snakes full belly made for a very slow getaway.
Pam Bruce-Brand a visitor to the Kruger National Park was able to capture the entire scene and she shared it with LatestSightings.com.
“As we drove along the S100 gravel road in Kruger National Park, we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful sight of Burchell’s Starlings and Wattled Starlings flying together in a dance-like flock ahead of our car. It was a magical moment as we watched them soar through the sky, their wings flapping in perfect harmony.”
“Some of the starlings then began settling in the middle of the road, which was quite unusual. This caught our attention. At first, we thought they were attacking a rock monitor, a type of lizard that can be found in the park. But upon closer inspection, we noticed something much larger.”
starlings attack a python
“It was a massive python! Its belly full from a recent feast. The birds were attacking it and making alarm sounds. The scene was intense, and our hearts raced as we watched in disbelief. We were witnessing something truly remarkable.”
African rock pythons are large constrictor snakes that are found across southern Africa. They possess immense strength and are known to consume prey as large as impala. Birds definitely feature on the menu of pythons as well. Luckily for these birds the python was quite full already.
Full bellied python after eating!
“As we scrambled to get our cameras ready, the python began to move, slowly at first, but then with more speed as it tried to evade the persistent birds. The sight of the python’s big belly and the birds swooping down on it was a sight to behold, and we were in awe of what was unfolding before our very eyes.”
python making a slow getaway
“Despite our best efforts, our cameras failed to capture the true essence of the moment. We were too focused on the scene before us, too caught up in the excitement of the encounter. The python eventually slithered away into the bushes.”
