Paul Corfield
Well-known member
Reminds of one of my all time favourite pager messages which went something like. West Midlands. Crocodile at Sandwell Valley NR. No access due to danger of death.
Finally emerging from 2 1/2 weeks of birding inactivity only to find that spring migration is well and truly over. Hopefully will look for Nightjars over next couple of nights.
Have managed a bit of casual birding and the Turtle Doves at Martin Down have been good value a few times. Have managed to see 5 of the 6 British reptiles on general days-out over the period including (at last!) my very first Sand Lizards which were fantastic. I still "need" Smooth Snake though. Any tips (without hassling them) welcomed. Did have a 6th reptile courtesy of a Green Lizard at Portman Ravine, Southbourne. What a beast and a colourful (green funnily enough) one to boot.
Areas around Corfe Castle like Hartland Moor or Stoborough Heath are good for Smooth Snake as are most Dorset Heaths, especially Purbecks area. Morden Bog is another area they've been photographed. I saw one last year on the Canford Heath nature reserve where I live. Right place, right time I suppose but lifting up bits of sheet metal can turn up a Smooth Snake while being wary of Adders.
Paul.


