Adder Kiss!

Do you like snakes? If yes then this video is a must see for you.

I have included information throughout, but here is a brief description of events.

I always take my Canon SLR and video camera while surveying as I like to record my sightings in this way as well as by notes. On this occasion I decided to film this male adder as he was preparing to slough (shed his skin) and when they are in this state, it is easier to get close up footage. However, what I didn't anticipate is that he would actually approach me and as I was lying on the ground, supporting my camera with my elbows on the ground, I had to make a hasty retreat!

Basically his vision was impaired and he probably picked up on the heat coming from my camera and my hands.

Anyway, watch the video  and let me know what you think.

Rob

Mute Swans and 7 Cygnets 27.05.10

Below is some film footage and slide show of a family of mute swans on a local lake in the Forest of Dean. There are 7 cygnets, just under 1 week old!



Rob

The Good and the Bad

Two bits of news, good and bad.....

Firstly... As some of you will know I was supposed to be filming for Countryfile this coming Tuesday. The focus was to be concentrated on the wild boar. They are still filming, but unfortunately they will not be using me!

I received a nice email from the producer explaining that they will now be interviewing a member of the Forestry Commission. She did however, make it clear that the Forestry Commission had not bullied them into this decision?!?!?!?!?!?!? Oops got carried away there with the question marks and exclamation marks!

On a more positive note, they will also be interviewing Dr. Martin Goulding. If you have not heard of him, Mr. Goulding specialises in wild boar and his contribution will be factual based.

Secondly... I did manage to get a slot on the radio this morning, talking about the Forest of Dean, my photography and what it takes to get a decent photograph. I have added some pics to spice it up a bit.

Rob

Winter

Video and photographs taken in the Brecon Beacons, in January 2009.


Don't forget to - TURN THE VOLUME UP

Male Adder Breathing

I filmed this male adder earlier in the year. He was on the other side of a wire fence, but that didn't stop me from getting a close up

Watch his nostrils flare while he is breathing.

New Fancy Deer

Here are some Fallow Deer I filmed on Friday 13.03.09, while looking down from New Fancy viewpoint towards the felled area below. Two of them are melanistic (or black) (no target on their bums).

This was taken with my Panasonic SDR H60 at 50x optical zoom.