Kitchen Garden Forum

It's definately spring and the temp is going to be going up soon - real soon. My new resident adder was out sunbathing today so that is the sign for me. She looked fine, really bright and glossy so must have shed. She's only little compared to my previous girl who got too brazen and had to be rounded up by the ranger but is perfectly formed.

None of the males came down from the railway bank last year to mate with her so she must be young but will see what happens this year. I can do without the males as they are well fiesty even though really small in comparison. They like to hang around at the top of the path and bar the way to the shed; won't move just hiss at you.

Will try to get a pic when she settles, probably when she has had her first feed but at the moment she is too quick.

Westi

Lucky you, Westi. Do enjoy her presence! I remember adders from my childhood, in fact, we knew exactly what to do if bitten by one. A few years ago I came across a female sunning herself on the moor above Ilkley and took some pictures - beautiful markings.

I'm always excited to see an adder. I spotted one in Pembrokeshire a few years back which was the colour of what I can only describe as sapphire, with the startling black checks of course. I read an article in the Journal of Animal Ecology recently which suggests that adders can live to be 70 to 80 years old. You being in Dorset, Westi, are in Reptile Central. Which isn't any wonder if you've been getting the sunshine today, whereas today up here in the North it was more like January.