15/03/22

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Perfect conditions this afternoon for Adders to bask in hazy sunshine, a total of nine being seen. These included the first females of the year. Details as follows:

PV - large female at the west end.
DV - small male alongside the fence at the east end.
TF - three males, one female at the west end, three more males at the east end.

In addition two Slow-worms were present, one in DV, the other in TF, both under refugia. The appearance of Slow-worms was a couple of weeks earlier than last year.

The nice weather also encouraged good activity from butterflies, with four Comma, three Brimstone and a Peacock.

Birds included two Ravens on a pylon in SB, two Marsh Tits in PV, and a Bullfinch heard in TF.  Walking back to the car I noticed a Long-tailed Tit carrying a feather, and further observation confirmed a pair building a nest in a Hawthorn bush alongside the path.
 
Female Adder in PV

Male Adder in DV

Female Adder at West end of TF

Male Adder at west end of TF

Male Adder at east end of TF

Male Adder at east end of TF

Slow-worm in DV

Slow-worm in TF

Comma

Long-tailed Tit nest close to this footpath


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