Not for Slitherophobics!*

[Graptolite]

Another lovely sunny spring-like day today. And I obviously wasn't the only one who thought so:











This is only the second time in 30 years that I've found an adder as early as February. And despite having just emerged from hibernation, it was looking surprisingly lively and moved very quickly once it realised I was there.

(*Yes I know - the proper term for fear of snakes is Ophidiophobia, but I just like the sound of 'Slitherophobia'. It's somehow seems more descriptive. )

[gregles]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Fantastic shots David The close ups showing the eyes are superb

I take it you are fully mobile again

Slitherophobics - sums it up perfectly

[Jim Ford]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Nice images of one of my favourite creatures!

It's usually the males that come out of hibernation first, and wait for the females.

Jim

[gregles]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Just noticed it is sticking it's tongue out in number three

[IainMacD]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Wow, great shots David, I can't believe Adders come out this early in the year, I'd better keep my eyes open!

[David M]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Nice. I've never seen one despite knowing a location for them in Cheshire.

We get Mississauga Rattlesnakes in this part of Ontario but I've yet to see one.

[Graptolite]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Fantastic shots David The close ups showing the eyes are superb

I've just noticed you can see my reflection in the eye in #4.

I take it you are fully mobile again

Slitherophobics - sums it up perfectly

Maybe I should copyright it.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Incredible to see one out so early.
Fantastic shots very well captured.

lovely sunny spring-like day today.

What's going on with the weather? It's cold, grey and misty down here (again).

Thanks for sharing.

[Graptolite]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Nice images of one of my favourite creatures!

It's usually the males that come out of hibernation first, and wait for the females.

Jim

Thanks Jim. They are great wee beasties aren't they? This one is in a pile of rocks which seems to be a communal hibernaculum - I have (in the past) seen 5 adders all at the one time on this pile of rocks.
I'm not absolutely sure what gender this one was - it's usually a bit easier to tell. I suspect probably male but could have been either.

[Graptolite]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Thanks Peter.

What's going on with the weather? It's cold, grey and misty down here (again).

We've had 3 days of wall to wall sunshine.

[Imageryone]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Only managed to to photo one in a lifetime here in Suffolk, so it must be a real thrill to be able to get images like this.

[Wee man]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

We do not have snakes over here St Patrick is supposed to have chased them. I do not mind as they are not my favorite breed of cattle. Great shots well taken thanks for showing them.

[Falk]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Wow, how cool is that!? Very nice observation and photos - congrats! You or at least Mr. Adder is obviously far ahead in spring time. I for one, had today the (dubious) pleasure of counting the first dozen of returned Starlings. Thats a sign it might not take to long now, but all the ground is still frosen. Have not even seen a Newt yet, who will often start their run for the ponds with snow still on the ground.

How big a fellow was he? Looks rather small in comparison to the twigs.

[Graptolite]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

Only managed to to photo one in a lifetime here in Suffolk, so it must be a real thrill to be able to get images like this.

Thanks. We have quite a lot of adders in this area - it makes dog walking a bit risky sometimes!

We do not have snakes over here St Patrick is supposed to have chased them. I do not mind as they are not my favorite breed of cattle. Great shots well taken thanks for showing them.

Thanks Ed.
He was a great man that St Paddy.
Have you ever seen the Frederick Forsyth short story called 'There are No Snakes in Ireland'? Worth digging it out if you haven't read it.

How big a fellow was he? Looks rather small in comparison to the twigs.

Thanks Falk.
I'll admit I didn't try to measure it, but at a guess I'd say around 40 cm in length.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Not for Slitherophobics!*

ARGH ! yes very good images - like the tongue out one ... but don't like these creatures ...