Adders

[Winnie]

I managed to find a local area that seems to be well populated by Adders. We saw 7 on our first visit, followed by 3 next time and 4 tonight. I am trying to get some decent images of them but they scarper so easily . Does anyone have any tips for photographing snakes?





Any help gratefully received.

Thanks

Alex

[glsammy]

Only one, carefully..
I've never seen a snake in the wild so I can't help you, but others have and no doubt will help..

[nightshade]

Winnie just remember that they may bite if startled,I have sat very near to them when they are sunning themselves (NOT necessarily intentionally!) early morning they will be slower until they warm up.Long lense and watch where you are stepping! I would think

[Jonny]

Winnie..........Please pm me where you are finding them. I am doing reptile surveying at warnham and leechpool and owlbeech woods and am hoping to find one or two this year. I have seen them at st leonards forest before, though never as often as you are finding them. If you want to keep the place a secret, I will understand...................Jon

[Mark43]

Winnie i would suggest crawling up to them rather than walking.......seriously.

It might take them longer that way to work out if you are a threat.

[pet]

Hi Alex, as Nightshade suggests the earlyer the better, before they get enough energy from the sun to disperse, also try and keep the sun to your face as a big shadow looming up on adders can bother them, also tread lightly, they sense vibration in the ground but are unable to pick up airbourne noise.Aproach v slow,one small tipy toe at a time. ps if mr Hyde see's this thread i'm sure he'l have some wise advise, he's taken some impresive snaps.

[Alan]

Like your website Winnie, you've got some superb images there

[Winnie]

Thanks for all the comments and tips.

Jonny - check your PM's.

Alan - Thanks.

[Stuart]

The method I use (when I can find them)is to wait and find their favourite sunning spot,then stand/sit and wait for them to come to you, and of course try not to bang the ground.

[arvensis]

Winnie,
Stuarts idea is a good one- even if they scarper, stay put for a few minutes and they may come back out. Looks like you have both a female and a male in the first picture and a male in the second.

Mark