Vipers in the UK 2012. Pt1

Hi everyone.
Here are some of my favourite Adder shots so far this year taken at a few different sites across Kent in the UK.

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …dder84ajasonste​el600.jpg/

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …adder78jasonste​el800.jpg/

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …dder78cjasonste​el800.jpg/

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …adder81jasonste​el800.jpg/

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …erslowwormsjaso​nstee.jpg/

IMAGE LINK: http://imageshack.us …eaddersjasonste​el800.jpg/

wow, these are incredible. best i've seen - ever. are these poisonous?

Thanks very much Rick. That's quite a compliment. Yes, the Adder is venomous. A bite is very rarely fatal but often results in a stay in hospital. Lots of info about adders on my website here:

http://www.jasonsteelw​ildlifephotography.yol​asite.com/adders.php

Regards,
Jason

beautiful captures, how far were you from above on the last two pictures?

edited: if you love snakes, you must check this adders page!

Thanks Hmongstang. I was using the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro L IS so it meant I was standing up straight and looking down on the adders. The reptiles in the bottom two images were found under refugia survey "tins" and were taken "in-situ". The problem I had was holding the tin up with one hand whilst taking the shot with the other hand. Not an easy task. Thank goodness for image stabilisation!

Jason

Ballsy that's all I will say. Great photos.

wow, i wouldn't get that close to them. great job

Thanks guys. It's just a case of knowing your subject. I've been photographing Adders now for quite some time. I wouldn't dream of getting that close to a venomous snake that I didn't know much about.

Jason

Very nice, I like the first one best. Some awesome pics on your website also!

I also love reptiles and met up with some people from the cornwall branch of ARG at the weekend. I'm planning to go on an adder hunt at some point soon, I know a few places with big sheets of tin where people have seen them.

Also shot #5 the smaller ones look like slow worms. Do vipers not prey on slow worms?

p.s. check out my herp shots from honduras: http://www.flickr.com …1/sets/72157627​782157449/

Terrific images. They really are a handsome creature; I like the pattern running down their back. I'll forego the bite and hospital visit though...

#1 is my favorite with that mean looking red eye!!

Thanks guys.


Jason

Great pictures !
Any sign of Sir Edmund in amongst then ?

Fantastic series Jason! Thanks for posting these, I'm a snake person so I love good quality pics like
These

Absolutely beautiful!