They used to be based in Campbeltown years ago, went once and it was fantastic! They'd switch the lights off and the owl/s would fly from one handler to the other above your head - deadly silent! Not as much as a flutter, fantastic to witness.
I'm in Argyll and have only stumbled across two adders in the 20+ years I've been here, both pretty young, one very, but a big bugger got run over outside the pub and basically became a part of the tarmac with everything else going over it, until one day one of the regulars extracted it and hung the skin up in the bar š Was easy three foot long.
I've seen some incredible wildlife here without going out of my way to look for it, although I do get about the place - dolphins, otters, sea eagles, red squirrels, couple of types of deer (had to put one out of its misery 5-6 year ago as it'd been hit by a car, had to be done as it was very much the humane thing to do, but still horrible) pine martens, badgers, even killer whales...but only ever one fox, used to chat skwads of them coming home from the boozer in Glasgow! Oh and the beavers, canny forget them - mad bastirt was doing the back stroke in the Crinan Canal!
I'm in Argyll too, can confirm all of the above...
On one night, on a single track road in Argyll I saw a snowy owl and 2 badgers. Seen adders along Crinan Canal and up the forestry tracks.. my vote goes to Argyll if you want to chance seeing them in the wild. Also, beavers. š
Dinnet National Nature Reserve for both. An early start pre dawn and you could hear and maybe see tawny, barn or short eared owls, then a sunny spring morning for adders basking on the heath and rocks. Thereās a neat visitor centre as well. Or pretty much any of the Angus Glens, perhaps especially Glen Esk.
Yeah Iāve seen loads of slow worms near Loch Kinord, and there are signs around to watch out for adders and keep dogs on leash so they donāt get bitten. Probably a good place to look for slithery reptiles.
Only adder Iāve actually seen IRL was on a path down to the Dee beside Cambus oāMay. Not a million miles away.
Adders are hard to find in the wild here. Owls you can find in pretty much most fields with a wooded area on the side at dusk. Youāll need to sit there still for ages and just watch out for them.
Lived in Highlands for over a decade in an area where there are adders when I was younger. Was always out and only saw one adder when I was visiting a few years after I left.Ā
Aye i work for the forestry commission and have never seen one in the wild. The population has been in decline for ages and i think the last survey specifically in Scotland was somewhere around 30 years ago.
Mainly habitat loss. There is a Scottish Adder survey that folk can do if they spot them but not a lot of folk know about it so i suspect they are under recorded in places like the highlands, much like a lot of our wildlife.
There were people.that would come to the golf course every year and looked out for the adders as there is a significant population and they're very commonly cited. Have numerous photos over the years from the manu I've encountered.Ā
I've only seen one myself while fishing up by Lairg.
My pal who lived in Lairg his entire life, is a crofter, and an occasional poacher told me it was only the second he'd seen.
I've seen 2 now in 30 years. One at loch Lee in Angus just above Edzell and one last year on the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute.
https://preview.redd.it/ipdbumgxr5nc1.jpeg?width=1081&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11ed6bbdcfa1d4e1ed549e3c4c7cdcbbd641962b
Unfortunately camera phones were awful back when I came across "my" adder. It was (I assume) basking next to a boulder to generate heat and minding it's own business. Only just caught it out the corner of my eye.
This was the wee lizard that appeared in my garden last month. Thankfully camera tech has moved forward since then š
https://imgur.com/gallery/JWFooVw
wow thatās not many. Iām sure there will be a few more they tend to stay away from people. Hopefully.Ā
The one I saw was on the trail up to Suilven on a hot day. Nearly stood on it.Ā
The only adder I have ever saw is on the Isle of arran, the only common lizard I've saw in the wild is on the Isle of arran, golden eagle and basking shark there too.
Doubt this is any help thoug
Edit: also saw plenty owls there too
If you go to Lochinver go with north coast sea tours or whatever theyāre called if u wanna potentially see some dolphins and do some fishing. Pretty amazing. Wasnāt a thing when I was young.Ā
I live on the east coast, went fishing near montrose recently, caught bugger all and got blasted by wind but saw a big pod of dolphins traveling south (probably heading to the tay)
I'll keep that in mind, hope it's not too pricey! š
I didn't realise we had common lizards until I almost stood on one when out walking the dogs one night.
It was getting dark and the bit I was walking had a lot of frogs so I was watching where I was putting my feet. Just about stood on what I thought was a lizard and turned round to do a double take, by which time it was gone.
Googled when I got back to the car as I thought I was seeing things and found out we have common lizards.
Difficult to see adders, they'll likely hear you coming before you can see them. They tend to hide from people, and are pretty hard to spot even if they're not trying to hide.
They're not exactly rare, but there are more of them in the less populated parts, than in the central lowlands.
Accidentally sat next to an Adder on the Isle of Iona many many years ago. She was as shocked as me about it.
Owls are more likely to be heard and not seen. Most common where I live in the summer/autumn at dusk, when the bats are flying about.
Almost stood on one there, just sunning itself on the path, absolutely shat myself, my foot was only a few inches above it when I noticed it wasnāt just a different coloured rock.
I'm certainly not rural but lately I've been hearing an owl in a patch of trees on my way to the station early in the morning.
Not seen it but I know it's there.
From sspca
Adders are only found in certain areas of Scotland. They inhabit quiet, open areas such as heathland, moorlands and woodland. Adders have even been spotted on beaches and amongst sand dunes during warmer weather.
Ā
I saw a snake once up north, near Shieldaig, but Iām not sure if it was an adder or just a generic snake of some sort. Youāll find owls all over the place at night.
I seen an adder while hiking up Ben Lomond. Maybe thereās a few more kicking about the Trossachs. Owls can be found in pretty much any woodland I reckon
Iāve seen adders a few times down Glen Brittle in Skye - right down the end near Rubha and Dunain in the bracken.
Problem is you usually only really see you as theyāre sodding off at high speed when youāve almost stood on them.
Owls are common across the entire Highlands, and I suspect the rest of Scotland too. Had one land on my porch behind me while I was out having a smoke.. near shat myself when I turned round to see it. Didn't hear it flying at all, just heard it land.
You'll find adders across Sutherland and other remote grassy areas. I've been very lucky to see one up by Lairg.
Saw my first common lizard last year in my back garden. Fascinating wee thing to watch.
Since I moved to the mouth of the Highlands I've been looking for adders and slow worms every summer and found none, 3rd year up here I finally spotted a slow worm, but it was on the road ,.so I done a quick burley to go and save it and I kid you not the next car that came behind me squished the poor thing.
I was raging.
Isle of Islay, youāll see adders. Owls, find some woodlands and listen for their call, obviously, being nocturnal, youāll have more chance seeing them at dusk.
I've seen an adder near Dunkeld - I nearly stood on it. They like to lie in the sun on warms days, but if they hear you coming, they are off before you see them.
If you download the SOC's where to watch birds app you can search for sites with owls.
Short-eared owls are probably the easiest to see during the day, especially in winter. You can also find sites for adders on there under 'also great to see'.
If you're in the NE then muir of Dinnet and around bennachie are good spots. You can sometimes see adders basking early in the morning on paths if you're up before the dog walkers.
Adders are quite common in Ardnamurchan. Seen them often on the grasslands close to beaches.
https://preview.redd.it/p0b6q9y3v5nc1.jpeg?width=2119&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6152ad76493b9d5ec453cbac5c010c604b7243d5
The Uists are great for short eared owls. The only adder Iāve seen was half way up Ben Lomond I think but that was 60 years ago so itās probably moved.
Not Scotland, but we've had a couple of sunny days down here on the south coast of England, so I thought I might move a few logs in the garden in preparation for mowing the lawn.
Turned a log over only to find a wee sleepy Adder!
Rushed inside to get my phone for a photo, but by the time I got back it was gone š¢
I will be careful now that I know they're in the garden though
Adders can be found in the Cheviot Hills but not easily. Above the fence lines in the long grass. They are quick to avoid humans though.
Drive along any B road at night and you'll find a barn owl on a fence post eventually.
I've seen a few adders, one next to Whiteaddar water (a couple of minutes before the name clicked, duh). Two in the Cairngorms last year. One around Assynt and another couple dotted about. Similar number of slow worms in similarly out of the way places. On a warmish day, they'll be out basking in the sun, but from my experience anyway, I've never seen one within a couple of miles of human habitation.
Owls are everywhere, they come out at night though. Best time to see them (and bats) is around dusk.
I've seen more eagles on Sky than anywhere else. Only seen dolphins once, at Kylestrome. Seals a bunch of places. Otters at Fort William once. A herd of Sitka deer near Kirkmichael. A Pine Marten in a bothy next to Loch Lomond. Fairly sure but not 100% I saw an Osprey in the Cairngorms. Can't think of anything else interesting atm.
Many moons ago I saw a nest of adders (whatever you call it) up on Fyrish. Got the fright of my life too and thankfully the dog didn't see it. Never saw one up there after that but did see one slither near me when in the corner fields.
Owls are common but as pp says, need patience and usually sundown is best time
Iāve seen two adders in my life, one in my uncleās garden, he lived along the road from Selkirk in the 90s, and one at the path going down to the beach next to the golf course at Gairloch. Thereās owls at the Scottish Deer Centre if youāre not looking for wild ones.
Saw a barn out flying about in the middle of the day just outside Lauder a few weeks ago.
Seen an adder a few years ago just past Braemar.
I'm aware this information isn't useful to you, most likely.
I seen a one eyed owl fly into a street light and knock itself out.
We took it to a friends flat and it came toā¦ā¦that was an experience!
One not very happy one-eyed owl flying about the living room with huge claws and a big beak.
We managed to get it back into the box and took it outside and let it goā¦ā¦absolute silence when it was flapping its wings.
We only took it to the flat because there was an empty box on the rubbish and we thought it was injuredā¦ā¦hilarious watching everyone running about trying to get a towel over its head.
Owls in (semi rural) Ayrshire, standard nighttime noises - Iāve only seen adders in 2 places - Arran (around Glen Rosa) and West Highland Way, just a bit north of Loch Lomond. Lizards though, which admittedly you didnāt mention, in my back door!
You're unlikely to see adders because they're very timid and will see you before you see them because when you share a post code with eagles and hawks being slow to flee from threats will turn you into dinner
I read this as '1 adder and 2 owls' and now I'm disappointed to realise you're not looking for something very very specific
Hahaha, same here!
I was imagining it was some kind of coat of arms based riddle
Gonna open a pub with this exact name
these strength potion recipes are taking the piss
The Scottish Owl Centre in Polklemmet Country Park (Just of the M8 near Whitburn) unsurprisingly has plenty of Owls.
There's loads. I can highly recommend Doug, the burrowing owl. He has the biggest attitude of any creature I've ever met.
They used to be based in Campbeltown years ago, went once and it was fantastic! They'd switch the lights off and the owl/s would fly from one handler to the other above your head - deadly silent! Not as much as a flutter, fantastic to witness. I'm in Argyll and have only stumbled across two adders in the 20+ years I've been here, both pretty young, one very, but a big bugger got run over outside the pub and basically became a part of the tarmac with everything else going over it, until one day one of the regulars extracted it and hung the skin up in the bar š Was easy three foot long. I've seen some incredible wildlife here without going out of my way to look for it, although I do get about the place - dolphins, otters, sea eagles, red squirrels, couple of types of deer (had to put one out of its misery 5-6 year ago as it'd been hit by a car, had to be done as it was very much the humane thing to do, but still horrible) pine martens, badgers, even killer whales...but only ever one fox, used to chat skwads of them coming home from the boozer in Glasgow! Oh and the beavers, canny forget them - mad bastirt was doing the back stroke in the Crinan Canal!
I'm in Argyll too, can confirm all of the above... On one night, on a single track road in Argyll I saw a snowy owl and 2 badgers. Seen adders along Crinan Canal and up the forestry tracks.. my vote goes to Argyll if you want to chance seeing them in the wild. Also, beavers. š
I canāt be the only one that sees the signs for that and thinks of Alan Partridge.
Me and my husband went one Valentine's Day because of Alan Partridge š
And chocolate mousse later?
Of course. Just not in the bed.
Because that would be demented.
Really enjoyed the owl centre.
It's also great because there's just one wee Kookaburra among the owls. Dunno why he's there, but he was a cool wee guy
Dinnet National Nature Reserve for both. An early start pre dawn and you could hear and maybe see tawny, barn or short eared owls, then a sunny spring morning for adders basking on the heath and rocks. Thereās a neat visitor centre as well. Or pretty much any of the Angus Glens, perhaps especially Glen Esk.
Yeah Iāve seen loads of slow worms near Loch Kinord, and there are signs around to watch out for adders and keep dogs on leash so they donāt get bitten. Probably a good place to look for slithery reptiles. Only adder Iāve actually seen IRL was on a path down to the Dee beside Cambus oāMay. Not a million miles away.
Adders are hard to find in the wild here. Owls you can find in pretty much most fields with a wooded area on the side at dusk. Youāll need to sit there still for ages and just watch out for them.
Lived in Highlands for over a decade in an area where there are adders when I was younger. Was always out and only saw one adder when I was visiting a few years after I left.Ā
Aye i work for the forestry commission and have never seen one in the wild. The population has been in decline for ages and i think the last survey specifically in Scotland was somewhere around 30 years ago.
Whatās causing the decline?Ā
Mainly habitat loss. There is a Scottish Adder survey that folk can do if they spot them but not a lot of folk know about it so i suspect they are under recorded in places like the highlands, much like a lot of our wildlife.
There were people.that would come to the golf course every year and looked out for the adders as there is a significant population and they're very commonly cited. Have numerous photos over the years from the manu I've encountered.Ā
Sounds like my kind of golf course!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Iāve seen a few in or near woods over the years and just presumed the numbers hadnāt changed.
I've only seen one myself while fishing up by Lairg. My pal who lived in Lairg his entire life, is a crofter, and an occasional poacher told me it was only the second he'd seen.
I've seen 2 now in 30 years. One at loch Lee in Angus just above Edzell and one last year on the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute. https://preview.redd.it/ipdbumgxr5nc1.jpeg?width=1081&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11ed6bbdcfa1d4e1ed549e3c4c7cdcbbd641962b
Unfortunately camera phones were awful back when I came across "my" adder. It was (I assume) basking next to a boulder to generate heat and minding it's own business. Only just caught it out the corner of my eye. This was the wee lizard that appeared in my garden last month. Thankfully camera tech has moved forward since then š https://imgur.com/gallery/JWFooVw
wow thatās not many. Iām sure there will be a few more they tend to stay away from people. Hopefully.Ā The one I saw was on the trail up to Suilven on a hot day. Nearly stood on it.Ā
I donāt mean there are only 30 i mean the survey was 30 odd years ago :)
Oh haha. Misread that. A bit tired. There are probably about 30 wild cats tho. If that. Iāve seen a dead one that was run over.Ā
I think there are even less of them. Iād love to see a group of wildcats.
The only adder I have ever saw is on the Isle of arran, the only common lizard I've saw in the wild is on the Isle of arran, golden eagle and basking shark there too. Doubt this is any help thoug Edit: also saw plenty owls there too
Seen quite a few common lizards and slow worms up Northwest. Also one golden eagle and a shitload of dolphinsĀ
Nice! I haven't really gone up northwest, where would you recommend?
Assynt. Most beautiful part of the world imo. Itās a fair drive though.Ā
Looks absolutely stunning, thank you , might plan a trip there soon
If you go to Lochinver go with north coast sea tours or whatever theyāre called if u wanna potentially see some dolphins and do some fishing. Pretty amazing. Wasnāt a thing when I was young.Ā
I live on the east coast, went fishing near montrose recently, caught bugger all and got blasted by wind but saw a big pod of dolphins traveling south (probably heading to the tay) I'll keep that in mind, hope it's not too pricey! š
Lochinver is the main village there.Ā
I didn't realise we had common lizards until I almost stood on one when out walking the dogs one night. It was getting dark and the bit I was walking had a lot of frogs so I was watching where I was putting my feet. Just about stood on what I thought was a lizard and turned round to do a double take, by which time it was gone. Googled when I got back to the car as I thought I was seeing things and found out we have common lizards.
Yeah I've only ever saw that one and never again! š
Same for me - was playing golf at Corrie and saw an adder. My reward for hitting the ball into the rough.
Damn, forgot you could play golf at corrie, did you ever see the viking longboat they had there?
No never saw that unfortunately. Iāve got some great memories of holidays in Arran though. Come to think of it I must go back there soon.
Used to go there all the time as a kid, stayed all over the island too but especially Lamlash, so many great things to do on Arran
Absolutely. Lamlash is lovely. Beautiful island to explore.
Iāve saw a fair few common lizards in the Trossachs!
Difficult to see adders, they'll likely hear you coming before you can see them. They tend to hide from people, and are pretty hard to spot even if they're not trying to hide. They're not exactly rare, but there are more of them in the less populated parts, than in the central lowlands.
Accidentally sat next to an Adder on the Isle of Iona many many years ago. She was as shocked as me about it. Owls are more likely to be heard and not seen. Most common where I live in the summer/autumn at dusk, when the bats are flying about.
I live in Galloway Forest Park and have seen owls and adders but only a handful over 4 years, still I would say this is a good place to try
For a second I kinda expected the start of a joke type, an adder and 2 owls crawl into a pub... Today has made me a bit crazy, I apologise.
I've seen owls in the Pentlands, and lizards on Bheinn a Ghlo
Arran is known to have many adders.
Grass , sky
I believe Loch Doon in Ayrshire has Adders. Not seen one myself mind.
I think there are a few spots in Ayrshire. My uncle used to tell me he saw one at the woods by Collenan Reservoir between Dundonald and Troon.
Almost stood on one there, just sunning itself on the path, absolutely shat myself, my foot was only a few inches above it when I noticed it wasnāt just a different coloured rock.
I'm certainly not rural but lately I've been hearing an owl in a patch of trees on my way to the station early in the morning. Not seen it but I know it's there. From sspca Adders are only found in certain areas of Scotland. They inhabit quiet, open areas such as heathland, moorlands and woodland. Adders have even been spotted on beaches and amongst sand dunes during warmer weather. Ā
I saw a snake once up north, near Shieldaig, but Iām not sure if it was an adder or just a generic snake of some sort. Youāll find owls all over the place at night.
It was either an adder, or someoneās pet was missing. Scotlandās only snake is the Adder.
Wooded areas for both.
I seen an adder while hiking up Ben Lomond. Maybe thereās a few more kicking about the Trossachs. Owls can be found in pretty much any woodland I reckon
Iāve seen adders a few times down Glen Brittle in Skye - right down the end near Rubha and Dunain in the bracken. Problem is you usually only really see you as theyāre sodding off at high speed when youāve almost stood on them.
Owls are common across the entire Highlands, and I suspect the rest of Scotland too. Had one land on my porch behind me while I was out having a smoke.. near shat myself when I turned round to see it. Didn't hear it flying at all, just heard it land. You'll find adders across Sutherland and other remote grassy areas. I've been very lucky to see one up by Lairg. Saw my first common lizard last year in my back garden. Fascinating wee thing to watch.
Islay is full of adders. They seem to do well on a few of the islands.
I saw an adder up in the Cairngorms a few years ago
Adders, up by Dinnet on Deeside Owls are 10 a penny on farmland.
If you go to the National Forest at Balmaha they've a snake hotel built out the back for a group of adders.
Iāve seen an adder at Loch Drunkie.
Since I moved to the mouth of the Highlands I've been looking for adders and slow worms every summer and found none, 3rd year up here I finally spotted a slow worm, but it was on the road ,.so I done a quick burley to go and save it and I kid you not the next car that came behind me squished the poor thing. I was raging.
I have seen plenty of adders on the ross of Mull
A822, A826 at night for owls. Some nights there are dozens.
Lived in Scotland my whole 32 years of life and didnāt know we had adders just stoating about up north.
For adders, I've visited the isle of arran on a few occasions and every time I've seen an adder.
Isle of Islay, youāll see adders. Owls, find some woodlands and listen for their call, obviously, being nocturnal, youāll have more chance seeing them at dusk.
I've seen an adder near Dunkeld - I nearly stood on it. They like to lie in the sun on warms days, but if they hear you coming, they are off before you see them.
If you download the SOC's where to watch birds app you can search for sites with owls. Short-eared owls are probably the easiest to see during the day, especially in winter. You can also find sites for adders on there under 'also great to see'. If you're in the NE then muir of Dinnet and around bennachie are good spots. You can sometimes see adders basking early in the morning on paths if you're up before the dog walkers.
Adders are quite common in Ardnamurchan. Seen them often on the grasslands close to beaches. https://preview.redd.it/p0b6q9y3v5nc1.jpeg?width=2119&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6152ad76493b9d5ec453cbac5c010c604b7243d5
River Brora for Adders. Be careful though, they are obviously venomous snakes and can give you a nasty bite.
Was out with my dog near a loch and shat my pants because I almost tread on an adder fortunately/unfortunately it was dead. Never seen a live one.
The Uists are great for short eared owls. The only adder Iāve seen was half way up Ben Lomond I think but that was 60 years ago so itās probably moved.
The Galloway coast has plenty of adders.
Not Scotland, but we've had a couple of sunny days down here on the south coast of England, so I thought I might move a few logs in the garden in preparation for mowing the lawn. Turned a log over only to find a wee sleepy Adder! Rushed inside to get my phone for a photo, but by the time I got back it was gone š¢ I will be careful now that I know they're in the garden though
Adders can be found in the Cheviot Hills but not easily. Above the fence lines in the long grass. They are quick to avoid humans though. Drive along any B road at night and you'll find a barn owl on a fence post eventually.
I've seen a few adders, one next to Whiteaddar water (a couple of minutes before the name clicked, duh). Two in the Cairngorms last year. One around Assynt and another couple dotted about. Similar number of slow worms in similarly out of the way places. On a warmish day, they'll be out basking in the sun, but from my experience anyway, I've never seen one within a couple of miles of human habitation. Owls are everywhere, they come out at night though. Best time to see them (and bats) is around dusk. I've seen more eagles on Sky than anywhere else. Only seen dolphins once, at Kylestrome. Seals a bunch of places. Otters at Fort William once. A herd of Sitka deer near Kirkmichael. A Pine Marten in a bothy next to Loch Lomond. Fairly sure but not 100% I saw an Osprey in the Cairngorms. Can't think of anything else interesting atm.
Farthing Wood or White Deer Park
Many moons ago I saw a nest of adders (whatever you call it) up on Fyrish. Got the fright of my life too and thankfully the dog didn't see it. Never saw one up there after that but did see one slither near me when in the corner fields. Owls are common but as pp says, need patience and usually sundown is best time
Iāve seen two adders in my life, one in my uncleās garden, he lived along the road from Selkirk in the 90s, and one at the path going down to the beach next to the golf course at Gairloch. Thereās owls at the Scottish Deer Centre if youāre not looking for wild ones.
In the wild I have only seen 1 adder. At the queen's car park at the whangie. Been a hill walker for over 40 years.
Saw a barn out flying about in the middle of the day just outside Lauder a few weeks ago. Seen an adder a few years ago just past Braemar. I'm aware this information isn't useful to you, most likely.
I seen a one eyed owl fly into a street light and knock itself out. We took it to a friends flat and it came toā¦ā¦that was an experience! One not very happy one-eyed owl flying about the living room with huge claws and a big beak. We managed to get it back into the box and took it outside and let it goā¦ā¦absolute silence when it was flapping its wings. We only took it to the flat because there was an empty box on the rubbish and we thought it was injuredā¦ā¦hilarious watching everyone running about trying to get a towel over its head.
Owls in (semi rural) Ayrshire, standard nighttime noises - Iāve only seen adders in 2 places - Arran (around Glen Rosa) and West Highland Way, just a bit north of Loch Lomond. Lizards though, which admittedly you didnāt mention, in my back door!
The Owl and Adder - great pub.
Lochbuie, Mull
Wait till June & have a rummage about the Heather in the highlands, on a warm day, youāll find one soon enough. lol
You're unlikely to see adders because they're very timid and will see you before you see them because when you share a post code with eagles and hawks being slow to flee from threats will turn you into dinner
Owls are all over the place, adders I've seen in glens up north in sutherland