Searching for ADDERS

[@donaldstewart3799]

Enjoyed this video I saw adders a few years ago at an Essex Wildlife reserve they were all lying basking in the sun, but yesterday I was out with my daughter, son in law and grandchildren on Mersea island in the country park walking back to the car across very short grass my son in law said snake and a few feet in front of him was a Adder coiled up enjoying the sun. Took a couple of shots but I had only my 24-120 with me. My grandson who loves animals wants to take one of the pictures into school for show and tell.

[@danwillis_photography]

Wow that’s fantastic, what a great find that was Donald. Even more fantastic is that your Grandson wants to take your photo into school. Getting children interested in wildlife is so important and fantastic for the future of this planet. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@debbiesmith2332]

Great to see footage of these creatures. Sending best wishes to Pops.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Debbie, always appreciated 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Hi Dan , superb, such a stunning creature, great to have assistance from a fellow tuber. Love the bird footage obviously, but marvellous to see the iconic Adder. I've managed to see all the British reptiles over the years mostly in Dorset, all before I had a camera, but fortunate to see Adders on a regular basis in the Northumberland sunshine on the hill where I did my falconry demonstration. I had young one in a bottle of preservative when I was a lad ,my Grandad found it dead when he worked on the Durham moors. Thanks for another brilliant video. Derek

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, I really enjoyed reading your comment especially about the dead adder in a jar, what a cool thing to own. Thanks for your ongoing support 👍🏻

[@marktaylor1597]

Great meeting you the other day Dan and thank you for another insightful and fun film and for the help you gave me. Thoughts are with pops. 👊

[@danwillis_photography]

Pleasure was all mine mate, top company in a fantastic location I appreciate it. All the very best Mark 👍🏻

[@sharondalephotography]

Fantastic.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@johngunning2123]

I had to Google the difference between venomous and poisonous after watching this video. Result. "According to biologists, the term venomous is applied to organisms that bite (or sting) to inject their toxins, whereas the term poisonous applies to organisms that unload toxins when you eat them. In my 25 years of living in the UK I only ever found one Adder. It was in Newton Stuart in Scotland in summer basking in sunshine. Two things immediately occurred to me. (1) It was much smaller than I expected. (2) It was absolutely beautiful. The markings are just magnificent. Great video and interesting to hear about the effects of stocking Pheasants.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers John, I wasn’t a million miles away from my definition of venom and poisonous so appreciate you sharing that. They are stunning creatures aren’t they. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@seandavis6458]

Dan thanks for another great video!

[@danwillis_photography]

My pleasure, thanks for the support mate 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Another great video Dan and on a area of wildlife photography not covered by many. Been out with Marc on one of his dipper workshops. Great guy and great photographer. 👍😀

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, I appreciate that. I’m traveling to Bristol next week to meet up with Marc for some photography in his home area. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@burniemaurins2382]

Nice video, I was out in the Cairngorm National Park last week looking for them, but with snow on the ground, no luck yet. Only advice I would offer is wear some gaiters when looking for them for a couple of reasons. Ticks are a problem all over the UK, wearing them reduces the risks, I got bitten quite badly by a tick that turned a bit nasty. Talking of being bitten, gaiters might just reduce a snake bite risk too and I know of one photographers who was sat still photographing when he was aware a different shake had passed over his boot, he had visions of it trying to crawl up his trouser leg. They do pop out when you least expect them on the right day, never put your hand down to get up without checking first, someone got bitten last year in my local Glen moving their hand suddenly on the ground and hadn't seen the snake, very painful even if not usually life threatening. Good luck on your next shoot.

[@danwillis_photography]

Wow some great if not terrifying tips and will most certainly be wearing gaiters on my next trip! Thanks for sharing these with me I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@adelacour]

Facinating creatures.

[@danwillis_photography]

They certainly are 👍🏻

[@SwanSycorax]

Lovely video Dan. Adders are a beautiful creature that I have managed to photograph on three or four occasions, once in Greece and all the other times during visits to Pulborough Brooks where there is one particular spot they frequent on sunny mornings - not that we've had many of those recently!!!!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian, I have been to the spot you mentioned at Pulborough Brooks but unfortunately didn’t see any either however the weather wasn’t ideal. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@richardmeftah2569]

Thanks for another brilliant video, Dan. I haven't seen an adder for years. Such an amazing creature!

[@danwillis_photography]

My pleasure mate, I’m glad you enjoyed it. All the best Richard 👍🏻

[@KarlWellerPhoto]

Great video as always Dan. When I saw this coming up was looking forward to the video. I have been out the past few weekends photographing Adders myself, so was interested to see what you came across. I do agree, when you are out walking around in the heather/long grass you do feel vulnerable, I soon decided to go back wearing wellies for extra protection just in case… the most we managed to find was yesterday, we came across 6 individual snakes near us in Staffordshire 👍🏻 they are very hard to spot, but now you have your eye in you will find them again in the future for sure.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Karl I enjoyed reading your comment. Others had suggested gaiters, but wellies are equally a great shout 👍🏻 I agree that once you’ve seen one you know what you’re looking for but 6 in one session is some going and an awesome achievement. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@sbphotography3751]

Great vid, thanks - sad to see how the hunting fraternity and the unregulated release of game birds - can have a negative impact on so many other species.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The unregulated release of game birds and the industry surrounding it has had dire consequences for the wildlife of the UK and not enough is reported on it unfortunately. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@robertgilbert484]

A very attractive looking snake! Come to Australia, you will see a lot of snakes including the Tiger Snake. I was out birding in Melbourne a few weeks ago and got a shot of a Tiger Snake on a bike path just after a cyclist had narrowly avoided running over it! I have probably seen 4 Tigers this season.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Robert. Australia is definitely a country that I would love to visit in the future, you have some incredible wildlife there 👍🏻

[@linusaslund6438]

In Sweden we have a lot of adders too... Very beautiful and actually more venomous than people think.. luckily they don't have a big yield of it

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for sharing that, I now feel my nervousness was validated 😬 All the best 👍🏻

[@Kevin-vg9lt]

Interesting video Dan ,yes must be very difficult to find them and to Photograph. I hope Pop's is doing well mate and all goes well with the surgery. I will check out Marc also.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Kevin. Pops is doing great thank you. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@Trish12303]

Great shots of the snakes!! I had to laugh when you said you didn’t know how afraid of snakes you are; I love snakes, but the venomous ones are a little scary!! So it’s understandable to be extra cautious. Thanks for sharing!! I hope your dad is doing well!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Patty, Pops is doing great. I genuinely didn’t realise that I even had a fear of snakes 😂😂😂

[@Trish12303]

That’s funny!! 😂

[@simoneardley]

Summed up proper wildlife photography perfectly. Subjects can sometimes be really difficult to find but so rewarding when you finally find them. Enjoyed this one Dan and some great shots. We have some bracken laden hill tops where we are now so I'll be giving it a go when the sun finally decided to show itself!! Keep up the good work. All the best, Si 📷👍🏼

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Si, I appreciate it. Looks like your homestead is coming along well and the area looks incredible with loads of potential, hopefully you’ll find some Adders as well. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@phil.eastwood]

The number of times I have walked across that area and not seen an adder (other than on the warning signs) , great vid...

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Phil, I could have easily walked past the adder Marc shown me. They are incredibly difficult to spot due to their camouflage and size. All the best

[@phil.eastwood]

@@danwillis_photography I will certainly look more carefully and move more slowly next time I am there would love to tick off a sighting of another species of native wildlife...

[@jeanlouis83]

hello Dan, good images of vipers, but you're not ashamed made with 600mm but it's ok you're not used to it here in the mountains we have quite a few. For my leg, it's life, I'm going to get a prosthesis in the coming weeks and I could take the photo again. How's Pops.😀

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. Pops is doing really well thank you, the surgery has been a success and he’s recovering well. All the best 👍🏻

[@mikephelpswildlifephotography]

Another great video Dan and of one of my favourite subjects 👍🏻🔥👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Michael, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@marchumphreyphotography]

I had such a lovely day mate! Pleased to be able to show you such a stunning animal - looking forward to catching up again soon 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Can’t thank you enough mate, cheers 👍🏻

[@CamillaI]

I must admit not keen on Adders but have encountered a few, great subject though and video 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I definitely share your thoughts 👍🏻

[@buzzingaboutbuzzards7566]

Just WoW 😯 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@fraud1able]

Awesome video , howver it WOULD NOT be me (snakes give me the fear!)

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Jason, I know what you mean! I didn't even realise I had a fear of snakes until searching for them 😂😂😂

[@MervynsCampbell]

Best of wishes to pops, get well soon😊🤞🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I appreciate you asking. Pops is doing great thanks and well on the road to recovery 👍🏻

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Brilliant Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@johnevans9664]

Brilliant Dan. Come back in October, its a great place for the deer rut.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John, I will definitely be returning for the rut so thanks for suggesting it. All the best 👍🏻

[@seanjonesphotos]

Brilliant video Dan. 🐍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Sean 👍🏻

[@michaelgoodwin8839]

Great video again Dan keep up the great work mike

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mike I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@andywilson3381]

Lovely as per usual Dan 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Andy, always appreciated 👍🏻

[@Daniel_Oberg]

Great video Mr!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@steveoldham4462]

Great video, how did you like the 180-600? Give pops our regards.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Steve. I’ve got to be honest I’m loving the 180-600, I’ve still got it and have been out in the Peak District photographing Dippers and have used it every day. It’s a fabulous lens and so incredibly versatile. The sharpness is amazing and the focus speed is superb. If I was in the market for a new lens this would be at the top of my list 👍🏻

[@stephenwilliams6682]

Venom is injected, poison is ingested.🙂 love our reptiles photograph Adders every year.

[@johngunning2123]

Just read this after I had commented.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen appreciate you taking the time to answer this for me 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

That was cool, Dan! Not something that most photographers are out in search of for sure. Just wondering: Did you squeal like a little girl when you finally saw one? LOL!!! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@danwillis_photography]

I most certainly did squeal Jon out of excitement and fear 😂😂😂 Thanks buddy, I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

@@danwillis_photography LOL!!! That's great!

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Dan, What a fun shoot, I think... Hope your dad OK.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John, Pops is doing great thanks for asking 👍🏻

[@susanobryen5947]

I almost trod on a coiled up snake on Mull.last week. It looked dark brown.

[@danwillis_photography]

I’ve looked for them on Mull with no success, they do have a healthy adder population 👍🏻