Monday 4 April 2011

Monday 4th. April 2011

Although the sun was shining when I arrived up on the Downs this morning , a very lazy , cool wind told me that I was definitely one fleece short for the visit . With bare arms , I headed off to see what reptiles could be found . That wind was blowing up the Downs , and my hopes were not high , and any hopes of an early Skipper butterfly were most certainly crushed . But , within a few minutes , the first Adder was found in a very sheltered position , soaking up the early rays . The second , the only Adder found any where near refugia , was using the corrugated tin as a warmer , and , as I was down wind , managed to get quite close before he got my scent , and disappeared under the tin . Another sheltered patch of scrub provided a place for a rather 'pinky' individual to sun himself . Just two Common Lizards were found today , this one looking as if it was just getting out of bed . 6 Slow Worms were recorded , these two males both showing 'blue spots' on their skin , not rare , but unusual . The last of 6 Adders found today , was on the side of a footpath , probably out from the hedge , as that is where he went as I passed by . It was noticeable that all Adders seen today had 'blue' eyes , a sign that they are coming up to slough , sheddding their skin , after which , the next thing on the agenda is mating . Only other interest found was this clump of Primrose , not the normal pale yellow , but tinged with orange/red , probably hybridised with a cultivated garden Primula . When I got back to the car , the thermometer read 11C. , but in reality , it felt nothing like that .

6 comments:

Phil said...

Lovely Adder shots Greenie. Found some Slow Worms myself today.
My eyes are blue, does that mean..........??

Warren Baker said...

That wind was a bit of a shock to the system Greenie :-) we've been spoilt recently!

Anonymous said...

I agree, Greenie.The windchill was more more like Feb than April.

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Greenie, you did well to find the Adders, it was pretty cool out there.

ShySongbird said...

Very nice reptile photos Greenie!

We have rain today :(

Ken. said...

Hi Greenie.
Always nice to see your shots of Adders. I will have to get to see a Adder or two this year, never seen one yet.