| With the air temperature fairly low, but with plenty of warm sunshine, we had ideal conditions to see reptiles trying to raise their body temperatures by basking in the sun. |
| The first reptile to be seen was a female Common Lizard, happy to be watched closely as it soaked up the sun in the vegetation just next to the path. This proved to be the first of many Common Lizards seen, including one exceptionally bright individual, presumably a male. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Common Lizard |
| Reaching the pond, we spent a few minutes in the hide watching the Little Grebes and a family of Coots. Some of the group saw a Grass Snake swim across the pond. |
| Next we examined a shallow pit that we knew was a good site for Sand Lizards. It wasn't long before we had seen a very large and pregnant female, probably looking for a sandy patch to lay her eggs in. Nearby was a pair of tiny Common Frogs, the result of last year's breeding season. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Common Frog |
| Next we examined a shallow pit that we knew was a good site for Sand Lizards. It wasn't long before we had seen a very large and pregnant female, probably looking for a sandy patch to lay her eggs in. Nearby was a pair of tiny Common Frogs, the result of last year's breeding season. |
| Walking down to the woodland we found ourselves in a world of ferns and decaying wood. Soon this gave way to open wet heathland with lots of Lousewort. |
| Returning to the higher path we saw more Common Lizards and a couple of bright green male Sand Lizards. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Sand Lizard |
| Our final sighting was a fine Four-spotted Chaser, which let us get some really close photos as it too took advantage of the warm sunshine. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Four-spotted Chaser |
|
Germander Speedwell Water Horsetail Tormentil Bog Myrtle Lousewort |
Buzzard Swallow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Willow Warbler Siskin (heard) |
Common Lizard Sand Lizard Slow-worm Common Frog |