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Grass snake habitat

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John Newton View Drop Down
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Joined: 19 May 2005
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Newton Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2005 at 11:33am

Hi again

Sightings in the upper Don Valley, as in many riverine habitats are not entirely restricted to within a few yards of the rivers margins, but are spread over a significant area, including many of the embankments with a predominantly 'southern' aspect, and which also offer suitable micro-habitat for such as amphibian prey items.

You will probably need to learn to look some 10-12 feet in front of where you are walking in order to maximise the chance of you seeing them before they detect your ground-borne vibrations.

Anyway, the main things is to get out there, and stay positive about the chances of seeing something - all records are important, and should be forwarded on to local recorders, including the Sorby Natural History Society  www.shu.ac.uk/city/community/sorby/, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust  www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/ or through RAUK

Alternatively, I'm sure Chris Monk or myself can ensure any of your records are added to the database.

John

 

 

John Newton

South Yorkshire ARG
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yorky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote yorky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2005 at 4:47pm

Have just returned from an evening session and I've finally struck gold!

Whilst investigating around a woodland fire pond for newts, frogs etc, my partner shouted "grass snake in the water", I imediately dashed over to investigate and saw a young grass snake fully submerged in the edge of the pond. I managed to lift him out of the water and it was a young male (long tale?) around 20" in length. You can imagine my delight! After having a good look at him for a few minutes I returned him back into the water where he immediately began foraging for food again. I have seen grass snakes in the past swimming over the surface of the water, but never submerged for any period of time hunting for their pray. So this experience felt extra special to me, just wish I'd had my camera with me!! This happened at 7.30 tonight.

I'll report my sighting to the Sorby society via e-mail.

Can't wait while this weekend for a good spotting session!!

Is it just me or does anyone else get excited when they see a reptile in the wild?

Yorky

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote administrator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2005 at 7:48pm

Hey hey well done!

I still get excited whenever I see native reptiles and amphibians despite the fact I see them most days during the survey season.

We had a grassy under tin in the garden yesteday, I was jumping up and down with excitement , and when it comes to adders, well I'm in a different world.

It's something really special to me and I still feel honoured whenever I see them, certainly worth the hours of fruitless searching. Still, now you have found one, bound to be more around

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yorky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote yorky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2005 at 7:17am

I sure hope so Gemma

 

Regards

Yorky

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