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RAUK - Archived Forum - grass snake spotting

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grass snake spotting:

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james4
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
No. of posts: 466


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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? 
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st rick
Senior Member
Joined: 26 Apr 2006
No. of posts: 141


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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.


Davew
Senior Member
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
No. of posts: 99


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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!!!
Suzi
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Apr 2005
No. of posts: 860


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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
AGILIS
Senior Member
Joined: 27 Feb 2007
No. of posts: 694


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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  AGILIS39198.3359722222
   LOCAL ICYNICAL CELTIC ECO WARRIOR AND FAILED DRUID
james4
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
No. of posts: 466


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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.

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Alan Hyde
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 1416


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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+>
james4
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
No. of posts: 466


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Posted: 26 Apr 2007
yes ,jst got to see one first lol.

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