15.3.14

The people in the know tell me that this is not a female but a brown male.  Ah well, the search goes on!  Still pleased to see so many at this early stage of the year.

I know there are many experts out there who will let me know if I am wrong but I reckon this is a female adder!  It is nearly a month since the males made their first appearance and for all this time they have been sunbathing whenever possible to build up their testosterone levels.  It is pointless therefore for the females to emerge too soon as they obviously need the males to be at the top of their game!  Now, however, they are emerging to get themselves prepared for the exertions ahead.

A quick glimpse of the head before she disappears into the heather

A quick photo of the adder’s body before he/she disappears.