Land/Water Wildlife

I just moved this big old empty pot that has been laying around on the allotment for a year or more, I always pride myself on being the most untidiest gardener around but look who's been living underneath.

 

Despite the cold wind there were several Adders out this afternoon.
The third one with the cloudy eyes is about to slough it's skin.

 

@strongylodon fantastic shots, great colouration on the first snake.

 

I came across this muskrat in the marsh on today's wander. I had to include the photo with its arms raised, as it looks like it is having a really bad day. The photo needs a funny caption but I can't think of one at the moment.

 

Sika stag, looks like he's as fed up with the wind and rain as I am!

 

He thinks your the paparazzi.

 

The last time I saw Rosie, the little vixen that I treated for mange, was last May. I was thinking the mange may have returned and taken her life. In hopes of seeing her again, I placed a trail camera near her feeding spot and today when I checked the camera, there was Rosie! She certainly looks healthy to me. Tonight I will again begin putting treats out for the little lady. I am thrilled to see her again, like an old friend returning.

 

That's great news hydrogardener! I wonder if she'll raise a family this year?

 

Oh Sheal I hope so. The raccoons still have one of last year's triplets tagging along with them. They also produce a litter in the spring, up to five sometimes, I hope they have a litter also.

 

Rosie could be in cub now, so it won't be long before she has them. I'm sure she'd bring her young to visit, especially knowing you provide a constant food supply.

I didn't know Raccoons produced that many in a litter. What are the babies called please?

 

Baby raccoons are called kits, and sorry the max is usually five. Still, they are so lively and playful that would be a handful for any mother.

 

For all you snake lovers!! Some more Adders were out sunning themselves. A bright male looking like it had recently sloughed it's skin and a large female about two and a half feet long. Another smaller one was curled upon the footpath and I just missed treading on it.

 

Grey Seal, Portland Bill.

 

We have Smooth Newts in the pond again, no pictures as they are way too quick.