Spring snake emergence - basking in their own glory

LAST weekend, the spring sunshine encouraged out the Somerset snakes in good numbers.

I visited the usual spot and was not disappointed, as both adders and grass snakes were out basking, warming up as best they could.

Thanks Natural England...

Adder

Blurred grass snake

Glastonbury Tor

Seasons collide

IT was bitter out today, as spring struggled to get a hold.  I saw a large flock of fieldfares and redwings bunny hopping from field to field, joined by chattering starlings.  However the native birds were singing and I heard my first chiff-chaffs too.  My hunt for wheatears was unsuccessful, but there was delight in a large flock of sand martins over the Somerset Levels reedbeds.  Other highlights were the squealing water rails, the coughing bitterns and the complaining little grebes.  I did not spend long out - but it was worth the effort.

Here's a record shot of a sand martin:

Three birds

YES I know that they're not going to get me an award, but I quite liked the distant views of the two mute swans and a marsh harrier.  You should have seen how small the snipe came out on my photos!

The swans were in a courting mood...