The grass snakes are still hanging around our garden. I have discovered that they are living in the dry stone wall next to our largest pond and whenever there is a bit of sun they come out of the wall and writhe around mating in their desperate threesome.
When I saw them the other day I got to within about two feet of them. When I had taken a few photos I thought I would leave them alone and as I moved they all went back into the wall. I stood still for a while and gradually they began to appear from various places at various heights on the wall. In some cases they were so close to me that I had to step backwards (almost into the pond on a couple of occasions) so my 100mm lens was far enough away to be able to focus on them. The minimum focus distance on that lens is 30cm, so that shows you how close they were.
Grass snakes are supposed to be very shy which is partly why it is so unusual to see them. It's true that these ones dash off as soon as I make a sudden movement, but if I stay still they do seem to be very inquisitive of me. I feel very lucky to have experienced this extraordinary encounter.
Yet again my time on here is very limited. Having got over the busy weekend last weekend and the inspection from the Donkey Sanctuary on Tuesday I have been trying to sort the house out for a visit from my lovely cousin and her partner this weekend, getting artwork framed for our art group's annual show and sorting out our stall for the donks' and goats' appearance at today's May Day celebrations in our village. I am very hopeful that things are going to calm down a bit from tomorrow onwards and I might even be able to get out with my camera and take some pics of the local bluebell woods that people keep telling me about- fingers crossed!
They really are amazing - I'm not sure I'd feel entirely relaxed with them so close even though they are not venomous. Just chuckling to myself about you 'largest pond' comment!
+FAV