Malcolm Wilkinson spots shy adders in Durham. They enjoy woods, heaths, and moors. Adders hunt birds, lizards, and small mammals.
Many people dislike adders. Wilkinson finds them fascinating. He thinks they are quite shy snakes.
The Trust says adders like woods. They also prefer heaths and moors. Adders are small and stocky snakes.
Snakes hunt lizards and small mammals. They also eat ground-nesting birds. Skylarks and meadow pipits are examples.
Wilkinson lives in Dipton. He likes looking for adders in spring. He knows quick movements scare them off.
He says adders usually move away if you disturb them. The law protects adders. People should leash dogs on moors now.
Adders wake up in late January. They have been hibernating until then. They appear more and more until spring.
April and May see them spread out. Now, they just want to warm up. Eating is also their main focus right now.
Wilkinson enjoys photography a lot. He loves getting a good photo. It makes him very happy indeed.