March is a good time in the UK to observe adders (Vipera berus), if you know where to look it is possible to see many individuals within a small area as they emerge from communal hibernacula and bask. I happen to know some such spots and made the most of the last two days of sunshine. Due to the current temperatures being reasonably low and the adders very recent emergence from hibernation, they are much less flighty than in the summer months and therefore more easily photographed.
Male adders are the first to emerge, eager to begin the mating season and pass their genes to future generations. All these photos show males. The first two pictures show typical basking spots - areas where the adders benefit both from sunshine and cover should they need to make a quick get away.
Tasting the air - no doubt wandering what on earth the strange creature looking at it is!
The below image has to be my favourite of the batch.
Just in case anyone is wondering I did not handle or manipulate these snakes in any way - these shots were all taken in situ as I found the snakes. If you intend to photograph snakes please be sensible and do not cause the snakes or yourself any avoidable stress...
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