Rhea

Our three young rhea had their first taste of relative freedom in the main field today. They are approaching one year old, and about 2/3 of their final weight and size.

Adders and Grass Snakes

The Common European Adder, vipera berus is alive and well in our area. One was spotted crossing the road last week, during one of those rare hours of sunshine. In UK these snakes are protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which basically makes it illegal to kill, harm in any way, or sell them. Missed the photo opportunity on my doorstep, but here is one from the common archives showing the normal diamond pattern and the less common melanistic colour. Generally the male is lighter in colour, and the female brownish with darker diamonds.

The adder is our only venomous snake, with its bite being painful but rarely fatal. It is not an aggressive creature, only biting if alarmed, cornered or hurt. In short - don't interfere, and the snake will leave you be!

Adders eat small mammals, frogs, occasionally (very low flying!) birds, nestlings on the ground or low in hedges, and eggs. If they come after my eggs they will have to take their place in the queue though, behind the rooks and the badger!

 

Also very close to Rope Yarn Grass Snakes, Natrix natrix, are beginning to become active. As their name implies (Natrix from Latin Natare, "to swim") they are usually found near water, and are not slow to clear grden ponds of frogs or fish! Again, they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act in UK. Thanks to Wikimedia Commons fro use of these photo's.

 

Southern England is also the most Northern home of the Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca. I've never seen one - but it would be greta to hear from anyone who has spotted onein recent years!