It's been a number of years that I have promised myself to go and see my first ever wild Adders in Kent but due to a lack of knowledge on sites and where to find them on my part, I have never been in a position to go and look for them. I have normally had to content myself at this time of year with looking at others photos of this stunning snake but this year, I was going to do a bit of homework and see whether I could at last, see my first Adders in the wild. I had seen a few photos of Adders which had been seen in Kent posted on Flickr over the past few days and after speaking to Julian and Alex Perry who had already seen them and were going again today, they kindly invited me along with them. The weather looked good as we left home quite early and a while later, we turned up at site number one. The clouds had rolled in by now and the wind was pretty cold but despite this, I was able to get brief views of a male black Adder which was briefly seen as it decided whether to come out or not, which it didn't. Despite this brief view, I was elated to having seen a wild Adder in Kent. We moved on to site number two where initially, the weather was not on our side but eventually, the clouds broke up, the sun come out and it felt quite warm. This in turn encouraged 3 Adders (2 males) to come out and bask which provided me with some stunning views and a few photo opportunities. I found myself transfixed with the Adders eyes and markings and it was just a privilege to be able to spend some time in their company and study them. I have had quite a few wildlife encounters but this is right up there with the best of them and I can't wait to hopefully return to see and photograph them again. It may have taken me a few years to see my first Adders but it was well worth it. Thanks must go to Julian and Alex Perry for their hospitality today and driving me around. Much appreciated. Still plenty more photos to look through so I suspect another post in due coarse on these beautiful snakes.
Adder (male)
Adder (female)
Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on finally seeing these adders up close. The photos are great that you took. It really shows their true beauty. Hopefully you will witness more experiences like this in the future. Have a great day.
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Many thanks. Certainly worth all the years of waiting. Those eyes just hypnotise you.
DeleteThanks for the reply. Yes those eyes will do that to you. Have a nice day.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful Marc, you caught the Adders with superb.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. I'm in awe of them and currently hooked by them. Can't wait to return weather permitting next week.
DeleteGood to see you today it's been a while. Happy to share in your experience awesome morning.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you to today Mike. After that sun came out, it was a cracking session wasn't it? A superb experience I can't wait to repeat again soon.
DeleteThese are beautiful images, Marc, and I am very envious. I think I might just have to take a trip out to a spot I know of when we get out next warm sunny day! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. I am still excited about yesterday's experience and can't wait until I return hopefully... weather permitting.
DeleteMy wife's just looked over my shoulder and says to tell you that you need to apply your 'red-eye filter'!
ReplyDeleteExactly what mine said. Always looking to pick holes somewhere in the shots.
DeleteGood to see you have them at last. It has always been a big Spring event for me, they are stunning creatures. Looks like your Adders were in less foliage than where I generally go. It can be difficult to get the head without some obstruction across it. You have some great images to get your snake fix going!!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. They were generally in good areas for photos if you were prepared to be patient. Weather permitting, I shall go back again soon.
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