Adders to me are beautiful creatures, especially so when you get up close and observe the colour and detail of their scales. They are well adapted to the moorland environment and blend in among the heather and bracken completely. So much so that even close up their scales take on the shape and texture of leaves. It is almost as if they were formed from the very earth itself. Even on the lighter males the black zigzag pattern along their back from some angles appears as a sun cast shadow from a bracken frond.
These are a few images from the day.
Adder Vipera berus. © David Forster
Even the black markings on their backs appear as shadows cast by the bracken. © David Forster
Close up of the head of a male Adder (Vipera Berus). © David Forster
An image from a previous visit which shows how their markings help them blend into their environment, even in the open. © David Forster
Wonderful pics David. The detail is incredible.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. They are wonderful animals.
DeleteIncredible pictures. How common are adders, David? I've only ever seen two – one in the Cairngorms and the other above Osmotherley. Did you photograph these in Teesdale?
ReplyDeleteAlen McF
Incredible pictures. How common are adders, David. I've only ever seen two – one in the Cairngorms and the other above Osmotherley. Did you photograph these in Teesdale?
ReplyDeleteAlen McF
Yes Alen these were found on the Teesdale/Weardale Fells just on the Teesdale side. They are relatively common in certain locations if you know what I mean. I think the term is "locally common". I was fortunate to see one of last years young at this site so they are obviously a breeding population. That said they are in decline in many areas, usually as a result of habitat loss.
DeleteI did not know they were found in the Cairngorms though. They are amazing animals when you consider they are cold blooded yet live in such high and remote places. Thanks for taking the time to comment, David
Hi David, I've been enjoying your posts and your stunning photos. This one particularly appealed to me because I haven't seen one of these for years - although I did get a tip recently about where I might see them locally so I'm hoping that might be remedied soon. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind comments Mark. I hope your tip pays off and you get to see some close up. If it is any help I find early mornings best when it is partly cloudy as they seem more likely to spend time basking in open areas. As the day heats up they tend to go into cover in the warmer months though. Hope you get some good pics too. Cheers David
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