Adders in the Wyre Forest & Red Grouse on the Long Mynd .... (1 Viewer)

Hey Everyone

I have a weeks holiday from work and with the weather being fairly good I have decided to try and make the most of it!
I always try and take a week off in April - my favourite month of the year - as Spring is now in full swing there is guaranteed to be something to see.

I am half way through my week off at the time of this write up and I have already had a couple of really good wildlife encounters ....

First off yesterday, Tuesday 8th April. I decided to repay a visit to the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire. It's not too far from me and it is one of my most visited reserves. The target was to try and see and photograph the resident Adders. I visited just last Friday and I managed to get a couple of photos but as it was fairly late in the day a lot of the snakes had gone undercover.

We arrived at the Wyre Forest fairly early and I headed straight to an area I have located previously that has been quite productive with regards to the Adders. I wasn't disappointed either, there were two snakes out basking in the small amount of sunlight that was available.

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I stayed for a while and took some photos and filmed a few videos. They seemed very relaxed with my presence, though I always keep a sensible distance both out of respect for the animal and also because - whilst unlikely - I don't want to get bitten!

Adders rarely bite unless they are handled or trod on for example, from observing them over the last year or so I have found them to be very docile animals, at least where humans are concerned!

After watching the two aforementioned Adders for a while I decided to head to another area that I have found to be a bit of a hot spot. Once again I wasn't to be disappointed. There were two Adders together and a further one alone basking in the now more prevalent sunshine.

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I watched them for a while and used my binoculars to really focus closely on their markings, they really do look like individuals.

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After a good while of standing still and allowing the snakes to get on with their lives without disturbance I decided to leave them to it and I headed further into the forest to look for any bird life. Overall it was quiet on the bird front, a male Blackcap being the highlight.

A great morning, I will never tire of watching Adders!

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zszETXVXY4w

We visited the Long Mynd in Shropshire today on the trail of Red Grouse. I have visited the area before and I have had - at best - fleeting glimpses of the birds but nothing to write home about.

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The good thing about the Mynd is that there are roads that run right across the top and because of that you can do most of the scanning for the birds from the comfort of the car. A drop was had up the Burway and along the entire route of the top of the Mynd and needless to say not one Grouse was seen .... It was disapointing I have to admit.

I decided to try the alternative option and to take a walk across the moors in the hope that I would stumble across a bird or two. I walked for over an hour with only Meadow Pipit & Buzzard of any note. Oh I did see some Welsh Mountain Ponies!

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We decided to call it an afternoon and start the journey back down towards the bottom. We had been driving for about 5 minutes when I suddenly saw a bird sitting out on top of the gorse .... it was a male grouse! Result!

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We found a suitable lay by to pull over in and I preceeded to scan the area with the binoculars. It was only then that I picked up more Grouse all in the one area, both males & females. I managed to get a few photos & videos before the birds moved further into the distance.

I like the Long Mynd, the scenery is impressive and what with seeing the birds too it was well worth the trip!

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZJ5UK7Ski6U

We pulled over on the journey home and I jumped out the car to photograph the Rapeseed Oil plant, this stuff really is very strong smelling but the countryside looks very pretty at the moment as it's in flower ....

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I'm off to the Clee Hills, also in Shropshire, later in the week on the trail of Wheatears & Ring Ouzels - I hope my good luck will continue.

Thanks for reading

Rob

Most of your Adders look like they are about to shed their skins, the eyes are quite milky bluish (contrast with the one shot that shows blood red and vertical pupil, which is how they look normally). If you manage to pop back in a few days you may find them gleaming bright and contrasty having moulted.

John

Yes I noticed this too John, I will certainly try my best to get back down there very soon

Cheers, Rob