Bimbling For Reptiles PT1 (Pic Heavy)

[JonathanD]

Got up a bit too late for any serious herping today, so I took the little one up to the heathland to see what we could find. As it was so hot and the reptiles would be very alert and soon disappear when a raucous 6 year old stomping about came near, I wasn't hopeful at seeing much.

It's difficult to get your eye in for our native reptiles. Can you spot the critter in this pic?

Here it is magnified. Amazing camouflage.

And more...

A bit of cold case. Anyone ID this critter? I've included all the bits for a ID.

I was looking for adders mostly, but seemed to find everything but. It was late in the day though. Plenty of greys and buzzards about...

And just as we were about to go, I found an old friend. Three years old now and may for the first time breed this year. He was very alert and active, so I had to sneak up through the heather to get any piccies. Half of his body was concealed, so I had to wait for him to move to get a shot of his head through the undergrowth as he went about his business.

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Part TWO is now here: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88724

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[swyn]

Thank you JonathanD for those great pics. Lovely to see the lizzard. I thought I'd go looking for grass snakes soon as there are a few around here although my eye is nowhere as good as yours at spotting!
I've been mimmicking pidgeons this evening whilst relaxing in the late sunshine.
Swyn.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Oh no !!! not another puma skeleton

Love the adder pics, that dude has a beautiful head...
Not much reptilian activity here despite the sun & heat (23°C in the shade)......

 

[Miyagi]

Great fotos JD.

**shudders**...

Liam

 

[British Red]

I love your stuff Jon. I wish I had a tenth of you skill at finding (or probably spotting) these beautiful creatures - you have really opened my eyes to them - thank you

 

[WULF]

Great photo's and a good eye.
favourite is those buzzards....fantastic.thanks for sharing jon.
god i love buzzards!!

 

[geordienemisis]

Top pics mate, You have definitely got an eye for this then.

 

[Harvestman]

Spent all weekend hoping to see a lizard or an adder, but no luck. Did get a nice large female slow worm though.

Lovely pics as always.

 

[mrcairney]

I think he plants them. 34 years on the planet and I've never seen one. I don't think they exist.