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grass snake spotting: |
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james4 Senior Member Joined: 13 Nov 2006 No. of posts: 466  View other posts by james4 |
Posted: 25 Apr 2007 ive never really got into grass snakes much as i suppose there is none in my area,but now where im going pwlheli i would love to see one some are there and love to see one,so what am i looking for,i know damp places with ponds/water etc,good populations of fish and frogs//toads etc.anything else,will they be in habitats of where adders are etc & lizards ,by the sea? 
http://ukreptiles.proboards55.com |
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st rick Senior Member Joined: 26 Apr 2006 No. of posts: 141  View other posts by st rick |
Posted: 25 Apr 2007 You need to look for ponds, canals and slow flowing rivers that are surrounded by suitable cover. This needs to be in the general area of the water, not just a straggly bit around the edge. They like overgrown water meadows, but also gorse and bracken. As the latter is dead at this time of the year they are easier to spot. It is best that you go to a specific site where grassies are known to exist rather than than just looking generally. I went 35 years without seeing a grass snake, but now I seem to see them all the time. Today I saw 3 big ones - in Watford! Good luck. |
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Davew Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2004 No. of posts: 99  View other posts by Davew |
Posted: 25 Apr 2007 When you do go looking tread very softly and slowly. If you disturb one there's no point in hanging around as it will either sit very tight unseen for hours or move away totally and very quickly. They're so much more difficult than Adders - I've been comparing techniques over the last couple of weeks and they're worlds apart - Adders are a doddle!!! |
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Suzi Senior Member Joined: 06 Apr 2005 No. of posts: 860 View other posts by Suzi |
Posted: 25 Apr 2007 Davew is right - grass snakes are hard to spot compared to adders. Grass snakes whip off very quickly. I see them in places where the nearest damp spot is often a hundred yards away or more so they're not always near water. Like adders often on the edges of paths or edge of bracken. Suz |
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AGILIS Senior Member Joined: 27 Feb 2007 No. of posts: 694  View other posts by AGILIS |
Posted: 26 Apr 2007 Hi Phill most times even with years experience of spotting a grass snakes the norm is seeing a tail dissapearing into hyper space warp factor 9, but all you need is a real stealthy almost silent aproach as in sand lizards spotting and ahead observations then you might see them coiled up basking seeing them first before they see you.. you then should freeze up you are then on a winner having the advantage first contact before they are aware of your presence giving you the seconds you need to react in catching or photoing them . Remember silent stealthy observant approach is the key. SAS STYLE ................................... keith
LOCAL ICYNICAL CELTIC ECO WARRIOR AND FAILED DRUID |
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james4 Senior Member Joined: 13 Nov 2006 No. of posts: 466 View other posts by james4 |
Posted: 26 Apr 2007 wel i dont know if there is any around pwlheli,anyone know any good well known sites on the llelyn peninsula. dave adders may be a doddle to you but ive yet to see one,i know this time to just go looking ahead in some heathland,coastal walks around east side of pwlheli looking around the area and pausing,with sun / cloud or just cloud,aslong as not rain. http://ukreptiles.proboards55.com |
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Alan Hyde Senior Member Joined: 17 Apr 2003 No. of posts: 1416 View other posts by Alan Hyde |
Posted: 26 Apr 2007 Don't worry Phil, Once you do find them your eye will become trained and you'll see them reguarly  O-> O+> |
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james4 Senior Member Joined: 13 Nov 2006 No. of posts: 466 View other posts by james4 |
Posted: 26 Apr 2007 yes ,jst got to see one first lol. http://ukreptiles.proboards55.com |
- grass snake spotting |