My First Birdfair!

Last weekend we went up to our first ever Birdfair held at Rutland Water. We didn't really know what to expect but it is something that is on my bucket list so when the opportunity arose I couldn't turn it down; especially knowing the Nick Baker would be there doing a talk! (Childhood idol!) It exceeded all expectations! It is said to be the biggest wildlife event in the country and it definately is! Mainly focused on birds but lots to do with all other areas of wildlife too from all around the world. Could have done with some more British reptile recognition but still it was amazing!

I saw both Nick Bakers and Jess French's talks on getting children involved in nature and the environment and it is something that is incredibly close to my heart and something I am passionate about. Jess French especially as she loves insects and I do my creepy crawly educational talks! It was great to feel inspired and it has definitively made me a lot more determined to try and achieve my dreams!

Birdfair is something that any animal or nature lover must attend at some point in their life; its incredible!

Sri Lanka Bamboo Viper

Latin Name: Trimeresurus Trigoncephia

Originate: Sri Lanka from low elevations to 1800m.

Size: 20-25cm at birth and can grow to 130cm with the males being considerably smaller at 60-75cm.

Diet: Frogs, small mammals, birds and lizards.

Habitat: Grasslands and Rainforests.

Temperament: Not particularly defensive; will rattle tail if agitated followed by striking.

Venom: Haemotoxic; (venom destroys red blood cells) causing severe pain and swelling, no deaths have been reported.

These snakes are incredibly beautiful! They are an arboreal species and are endemic to Sri Lanka with no sub-species that are currently recognized. They bear live young and can give birth to up to 25 babies!