I know that I have posted photos of a grass snake before (see – ‘Grass Snake‘) but when I noticed one today (twice the size of the one I saw last September), I was rather excited.
One of a healthy population of grass snakes (Natrix natrix) at The Priory.
And very pleased. While I can’t say that I approve of their diet (frogs and toads), I am only too happy to have such an impressive resident in the gardens.
Though I don’t think he was quite as pleased to see me.
The Anxious Gardener 
Did you wear your toad suite to get so close to it? You took some fangtastic pics there! Is this snake poisonous? I hope it is….. 🙂
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No toad suit, Alberto – just my normal Roman centurion gardening costume. And no the grass snake isn’t poisonous. Might not have got quite so close if it were. D
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Great photos. Have quite a few slow worms around us here but haven’t seen any grass snakes. Not there greatest fan but can appreciate how beautiful they are.
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There are slow worms at the Priory too, WW but I have yet to photograph them. But I haven’t seen any lizards – at least yet. D
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Fantastic shots David! Despite the sinister looks they’re actually shy creatures aren’t they? So well done in getting these fantastic close-ups!
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Thanks guys, and yes they are perfectly harmless and shy. But if you find them, as I did, during their early morning sun-bask they are quite slow and sluggish. Later when their blood has warmed up they can be really quite nippy! D
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What a picture! Scary! I wouldn’t have wanted to be the one pointing the camera at him!
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Ah, another non-snake lover. Sorry Holley. I actually think him very beautiful but can see why some wouldn’t. I’ll give fair warning next time! D
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Wow, that’s a close up! Not quite as cute as a lamb mind you.
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Perhaps not as cute, Jason but fascinating to watch him sunning himself in the morning sun and ‘tasting’ the air with his tongue. I thought all the holes in the banks of the east pond were inhabited by voles – obviously not. D
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Can’t stop….RUNNING FOR THE HILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ah. Sorry, Jane. I forget that some people hate snakes. Sorry. D
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For the first time ever I find myself wondering what it would be like to eat with a forked tongue (and a shiny purple one at that). It just seems like part of it would always get in the way. Maybe that’s the least of your worries if your diet is frogs and toads. And surely slugs? Wouldn’t a grass snake be kind enough to eat slugs for you? Your wildlife photos are always so beautifully crisp and detailed (envious sigh).
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I could almost forgive the grass snakes eating frogs and toads (almost) if they ate slugs as well. But sadly they don’t. And I’m so pleased you haven’t got a long purple, forked tongue, Stacy. At least I hope you haven’t – it wouldn’t suit you at all. D
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It’s a wonder he didn’t bite your head off at that close range! Great pics though.
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I was hoping he’d yawn, Elaine – and show off hs fangs. D
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