Contrary to popular belief, at this time of year, as well as in Feb/March, it is very common to see reptiles when it is quite cold, overcast and raining. This time of year, those reptiles that give birth to live young and are gravid, will take every opportunity to bask and heat up. This is so the young can develop quickly inside them before the colder weather starts creeping in.
Reptiles in this country need to give birth at least six to eight weeks prior to the mid/end of October so that the young can grow and build up fat reserves to survive hibernation. Gravid females also need to recover sufficiently as giving birth really takes them to the edge of survival compared to birds and mammals. Adders don't eat for a good while prior to giving birth, and look emaciated and close to death if the development of their young has taken too long.
So today it was cold, windy and wet. And still we find these females out desperately trying to get warm so they can give birth sooner rather than later. Obviously it's best not to disturb them, so I only did one pass of the area, and avoided the ones I visited last week.
And again, the slow-worms were out after those yummy grey slugs...
Reptiles in this country need to give birth at least six to eight weeks prior to the mid/end of October so that the young can grow and build up fat reserves to survive hibernation. Gravid females also need to recover sufficiently as giving birth really takes them to the edge of survival compared to birds and mammals. Adders don't eat for a good while prior to giving birth, and look emaciated and close to death if the development of their young has taken too long.
So today it was cold, windy and wet. And still we find these females out desperately trying to get warm so they can give birth sooner rather than later. Obviously it's best not to disturb them, so I only did one pass of the area, and avoided the ones I visited last week.
And again, the slow-worms were out after those yummy grey slugs...
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