Reptile safari.

[JohnP]

I've spent the morning with a local guide and a group of folks on a reptile safari in the Malvern Hills area. I saw more than I was able to photograph, there were no opportunities for shots of snakes or lizards actually on the ground which was a shame. The guide has a set trail on which he has positioned large sheets of roofing felt which offer shelter to snakes and lizards. With the help of an assistant the felt is carefully lifted and the guide grabs anything that may be under the felt sheet. As there were quite a few of us who were taking photos the guide didn't want to stress the reptiles by handling them for too long so we took it in turns to take some shots. Needless to say he wore gloves which he kept on when handling Adders. I would also like to mention that the guide is licenced to handle Slow-worms which are a protected species.It was a very interesting few hours.

 

 

A Slow-worm.

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
1/320s f/6.3 at 26.2mm iso200

 

Adder.

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
1/400s f/4.0 at 30.6mm iso100

 

Adder.

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
1/320s f/4.0 at 14.4mm iso100

 

 

[Phil]

They may not be exactly natural shots but what a fantastic opportunity

[JohnP]

They may not be exactly natural shots but what a fantastic opportunity

 

As you probably know I spend a lot of time walking, birding and generally enjoying wildlife, in many years of doing this I have hardly ever seen reptiles and even when I have spotted the odd snake or lizard they have never hung around long enough to get any shots... one day I hope to click lucky and get some natural photos. In the meantime I'm happy with what I saw this morning.

[NannyFerret]

Smashing shots.

The are so close and clear.
Years ago I encountered an adder carrying a young one in it's mouth. It was in a churchyard in North Wales. Needless to say I didn't have a camera in those days, and I was too busy standing on a bench with my two dogs as I didn't want either of them to get bitten and I have a bit of a snake phobia too.
These days, I think I would have been more intent on getting a shot of it. lol

[annie]

lovely shots john. i really like the adder shots.

 

my sister got bit by an adder in stevenage ....the doctors at the lister hospital were most confused when she arrived at a + e...it was an indian doctor who knew straight away what it was!

[Kobione]

Really nice shots, John - if you ever feel like heading for our bit of 'lizard country' let me know, - they pose for you out here!

[Heather]

great photos, lots of detail but ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww snakes and worm thingies ! <shudder>