Garden Adder

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #1 (**permalink**) 14-07-2009, 01:09 PM

I've just seen an adder in our garden,was taking a few pics of some bumblebees & looked down and I was nearly standing on one that was sunbathing !!!!Just lining up the camera & it shot off..didn't realise they moved that quick!!
We do live right out in the middle of fields so not surprised that they maybe here,so now I will be extremely careful.I have left a lot of sections of the garden to grown wild & this was one of them.I did think to strim a bit now that a few things have started dying a bit,but will now leave it all to nature...would be horrified if I had hurt a snake !!
Luckily no kids or dogs here so no danger for them to be here...the adders that is!!

Will be creeping around to see if I can get a pic though!!

captaincarot · #2 (**permalink**) 14-07-2009, 04:27 PM

you can stills trim it, the srt of doing it is to cut it half way down and then do it the full way but keep your eye's out for anyting moving.

my lawn get's done onece or twice a year and is absolutel stuffed full of frogs and toads so i have the same problem, it doesn't disturb them too much as long as you take your time and let them escape.

marvin · #3 (**permalink**) 14-07-2009, 05:17 PM

wow! it's pretty unusual to get adders in the garden so you are really lucky. grass snakes are much more likely to visit a garden. is there anywhere nearby, e.g. heathland or woodland where they may hibernate?

cheers
tim

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #4 (**permalink**) 15-07-2009, 01:35 PM

Yes we get frogs & toads here too,nearly got a toad before when mowing so take real good care now,I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I harmed something...you should see me going round picking up slugs & snails so they don't get trodden on!!!!
I can still leave a lot of the rough bits,where the adder was is right by the fence and doesn't matter what it looks like.We live completely surrounded by sheep grazing fields & here we have a lot of places for them to hide out in & hibernate.

Haven't told the husband yet,he won't like the idea of snakes in the garden but as I keep saying about whatever we have here,rats,moles,slugs,snails etc they were here first so we fit in with their ways...sorta!!!!!!!

The only things that have to go are wasps!!!!

Jez · #5 (**permalink**) 16-07-2009, 02:17 AM

Man was in the UK before slugs and snails i believe, but don't want come across as splitting hairs!

But yay adder very lucky, similar happened in moms garden when a Adder coiled around her leg whilst she attended to the Lavetera!

Not sure how I would have reacted as i always wanted to see one but to no avail as yet!

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #6 (**permalink**) 16-07-2009, 07:49 AM

But aren't ammonites some sorta snail thingy...they were in this area before us...even if it was under water...Haha!!!

Trying to stalk the Adder...but no sightings again yet!!!
When I was young we called them Vipers...is there a difference?Mind you would like one of the 4 wheeled sort in my garden...well in the garage!!Black one please!!!

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #7 (**permalink**) 21-07-2009, 11:29 AM

Spotted the adder again sunday in the same place sunning itself...but of course by the time I got back with the camera...............

captaincarot · #8 (**permalink**) 21-07-2009, 03:47 PM

looks like all these sightings are adding up to one living in your garden.

sorry

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 05:30 PM

I have been sneaking around the spot where I saw it,but alas no more sightings!Wondered if maybe it realised I had spotted it and has now moved on?Or do these creatures usually stay in the same area year after year?Thought it might be around sunbathing today as its the first sunny day in ages!

captaincarot · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 05:57 PM

if they have a source of food, a basking spot and a bolt hole they will stay some where for ages, but if the foods gone short they will move in search of better oppertunities.