24/04/22

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As the weather was good I carried out the early BBS today. It proved to be relatively quiet for birds, with 28 species in total. However, the highlight was two singing Willow Warblers, one seen in TF, the other more distantly in the wood, so heard only. Another day when I fail to see a Swallow or any hirundine for that matter.

On finishing the survey just after 9 a.m. it was getting warmer so turned my attention to other things. I was pleased to find two Green Hairstreaks, one at the far end of DV the other in TF. Also new for the year was a Small Copper, while Orange-tips were much in evidence, though typically none settled for the camera.

The warm conditions were also ideal for Adders, a total of eight being found, all in PV except for a male in TF. Those in PV included several sizeable males of about 0.5m that showed very well. Only two females, one of which was the melanistic individual, now paired with a normal coloured male. The male was guarding her, and during my observation he gave what appeared to be an enormous yawn, though may have been realigning the jaws. The size of the gape was truly impressive and indicates how snakes such as this can swallow relatively large prey. Later the pair were mating and at one point were checked out by another male, although nothing came of it.

Willow Warbler in TF

Green Hairstreak in DV

Green Hairstreak in TF

Small Copper

Green-veined White

Very large male Adder

Closer view of same individual

As above, showing distinctive heart shaped marking behind the head

Another stunning male

Male guarding melanistic female

Yawn or realigning the jaws?

Fully open gape

The last Adder of the day, another good size male


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