Vipera berus slip slidin’ away
Having only just seen my first adder late on in the season (15 April 2023), I came across this one the following day – also at Branton Lakes Nature Reserve.
Branton Lakes
Snake in the Grass
Adders at Branton Lakes
We’re well into April now and I’ve only just seen my first adder of the season! This isn’t for any peculiar nature phenomenon – such as the snakes emerging much later – but rather that I hadn’t had an opportunity to go looking for them until yesterday.
Back Adder II
Branton’s Back Adder II
One week on from seeing my first adder of the 2022 season, I’ve spotted a couple of others. They’re pretty much in the same spot along the south-facing bank close to the entrance to the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve.
Back Adder
Back Adder Feb 2022
Ah…it’s always a sign that Spring is just around the corner – when the adders come back. Seeing your first adder of the season means that Spring is just around the corner. And yesterday (27 Feb 2022), I did indeed see my first – just the one, and here it is:
Adders Galore!
Videos of adders
Since seeing my first three adders of the season on 25 February 2021, the relatively sunny weather has brought more adders into view at Branton Lakes Nature Reserve. They typically hibernate between about October – March, emerging in the late Winter/early Spring, depending on weather conditions.
Adders 2021
Adders 2021 – one year on
Like many people in the area, I really enjoy this time of the year and the anticipation of seeing my first adder of the season.
The earliest I’ve spotted one is 20 February (2018). Last year, I saw my first adder on 26 February (2020) and today – one year on – I saw my first three adders of 2021.
On Frozen Lake
Frozen Lake – Branton
There was a thin covering of snow along the Breamish Valley yesterday that quickly turned to ice in the just-below-zero temperatures. This made for some striking photos while on my walk around Branton Lakes Nature Reserve.
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow flag iris abloom
yellow flag
aka: yellow iris, water flag
scientific name: Iris pseudacorus
Bird on a Wire – Frog on the Floor
Bird on a wire above you!
Got to keep reminding myself to keep looking up and keep looking down when I’m out and about. Of course, with the easing out of lockdown, we’re now able to get out and about a lot more, and more than once a day. Feels good if you can take advantage of this, doesn’t it? So, that means more opportunities to look.
Blooming Valley
Blooming valley of beautiful flowers
For my once-a-day exercise today, I took a walk around the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve. It was particularly pleasant, as it was such a sunny day. And it’s so obvious that Spring is now well and truly springing – flowers are starting to bloom everywhere.
