the online meeting place for all who love our amphibians and reptiles
Home Page Live Forums Archived Forums Site Search Identify Record Donate Projects Links
Forum Home Forum Home > Herpetofauna Native to the UK > Grass Snake
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Spotting Grass Snakes in the field
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Spotting Grass Snakes in the field

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Maculatus View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 09 May 2005
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 2
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Maculatus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Spotting Grass Snakes in the field
    Posted: 12 May 2005 at 6:25pm
Having seen and photographed my first adder recently, I am now eager to see a Grass snake. Does anyone have any tips on how to find Grass Snakes in the field. Do they bask as much as adders? Is it worth finding a likely pond and sitting quietly and waiting?
Back to Top
rhysrkid View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 14 Nov 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 98
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rhysrkid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2005 at 8:24am
Hi Maculatus

Unless you know a site where they are present or popular basking locations it can be very difficult to spot grass snakes, particularly as the temperatures start to rise in summer. I find that grass snakes can spend a lot of time basking in the early and late months of the year but they do tend to move off much more quickly than adders!

However, picking a site where there is good wetland habitat and associated amphibian populations together with suitable grassy and scrubby areas near by is a good idea. Try looking on south facing slopes which have good cover e.g. bramble patches etc and you may get lucky. Picking a good day also helps - patchy sun is often good as they need longer to warm up than on really bright days. I find mid morning (8:00 - 10:00) and again in the afternoon (around 16:00) the most successful times.

You could also contact your local Reptile and Amphibian Group to see if they have any trips planned to known sites. Hope this helps and good luck - donĘt forget to submit any finds to your local recorder or alternatively on this website.

Edited by rhysrkid
Rhys
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.06
Copyright ©2001-2016 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.328 seconds.