Adders.

[Katemary]

We have seen our first adders this year at 11am in the morning - both small females. Very sleepy, very slow to move, even when my shadow passed over them.
My dog was bitten 3 years ago and survived after treatment at the vet. It's NOT the one you see that presents any risk!
These are my pics.
Last April


17th March 2010

[marvin]

hi nice pics everyone.

that 17 march 2010 one looks like a male to me.

cheers
tim

[Colin Pumfrett]

Originally Posted by britnik

Thanks for the info Colin

I have also noticed that there is a nice article on photographing adders in this weeks Amateur Photographer.

Thanks for that info, bought a copy this morning.

[Katemary]

Sorry mods, I posted a pic without using my glasses or reading the small print!
Please remove the pics - I tried to access the information about external images without success at first, but have just accessed the information.
What a great idea. out of date or removed images are a pain. I'll resubmit the pics when these are removed.

AGAIN apologies for rushing in without reading the instructions.

[marvin]

a few from this week in north staffs including my first female of the year seen today around midday.











tim

[Katemary]

I was thinking the black and whiteish ones were male and the browny ones female... or is it not so simple? I thought the pic was female but would really appreciate any info, tips, clues.
We have lived here for only 4 years and prior to that I'd never seen an adder. First one I saw I have to admit I squealed ! But now it's a thrill when we do see one. We know pretty well the places they frequent, and we adjust our walking with dogs in deference to both species! Lots of grass snakes too and we have seen them swimming in the pond.

[marvin]

hi

generally speaking the colour of the zigzag and other markings are a better indicator of sex than the base colour. males almost always have black zigzag markings while females have brown. however, to be certain where there is any doubt, a good look at the tail will tell you. follow this link for a good explanation RAUK e-Forum: male or female?

cheers
tim

ps...forgot to ask, where do you live it sounds wonderful!

[Katemary]

Well that cleared things up for me!
NOT!
Thanks for the link though, it's fascinating, and I will keep checking what I see!

I live in Essex on the Dengie Peninsula. It's lovely here. Foxes, badger, rabbit, hare, adders, grass snake, seals, weasel, Brent Geese in winter, egret.

You know maybe it's my age? I find it difficult to tell male and female PEOPLE apart some days! But I won't take pictures!

[marvin]

lol - sorry...just think black zig zag male, brown zig zag female and you'll be right 999 times out of a thousand.

tim