European Adder (f) - a photo on Flickriver

European Adder (f)

            European Adder / vipera berus. Minsmere beach, Suffolk. 03/04/23.

In early April, a careful amble through the sand dunes backing  Minsmere beach proved very successful for spotting adders. I found at least eight individuals, both males and females. 

By far the most showy one was this female who had elevated herself about a foot off the sand and lay basking on top of some dead gorse. She was a stunning reddish/mahogany brown colour and beautifully marked. 

Her unobscured, prominent position meant she attracted many admirers. Everyone behaved respectfully, kept their distance and photographed using long lenses. Reassuring to see, when you know about the horrendous scenarios associated with 'adder watching' and photography.

Taken on: April 3, 2023

Tags:

european adder

minsmere beach

reptile

snake

widespread

decline in numbers

localised

coastland

inland

rural

grassy cliffs

coastal dunes

open habitats

scrubland

heathland

moorland

open woodland

females larger

brown

greenish-brown

reddish-brown

males smaller

males silvery-grey

dark zigzag on m+f backs

head fairly large

vertical face sides

red eyes

vertical eye slits

'V' at back of head

hinged fangs

venomous

predatory

predator

varied diet

voles

small rodents

nestlings

birds' eggs

lizards

hunt at dusk

predated by foxes/badgers

females are viviparous

eggs hatch internally

give birth to live young

produce up to 10 young

shy

timid

retiring

hibernate in winter

October - March

males emerge first

early spring

warm + sunny

female

rich reddish-brown colours

close-up detail of head

unique head pattern

beach

sheltered spot

elevated above ground

resting on gorse

coiled up

relaxed

stationary

basking « less

Sets appears in: • Upload to flickr • Reptiles & Amphibians

Groups appears in: • British Reptiles and Amphibians • Wildlife Of Great Britain and Ireland. more » • Birds and Wildlife UK • Countryfile • Wildlife UK • Suffolk Wildlife • BBC Springwatch (Official) • Wildlife In East Anglia • WILD BRITAIN. • East of England Wildlife • RSPB Minsmere • Reptiles and amphibians. UK • Wild life photography bokeh • Reptile and Amphibian Sightings UK • Birds and nature of the uk • Wildlife Lockdown Images « less

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