Due to some uploading server errors ("servers can't be reached"), this report has been separated into two parts. Additionally, photo clarity throughout this report has had to have been reduced significantly to allow for submission
Unlike our previous herping expeditions, the start of our Montenegrin trip was fraught with a few unexpected problems. Firstly, upon our arrival at the airport we were greeted with a rather unhelpful car hire representative, stating that they had "no car available", a little strange since it was booked 12 weeks in advance. After a couple of hours trying to resolve the issue, we finally managed to acquire a car from another local garage in the centre of Podgorica. With relief, we headed for our first site of accommodation. Here is where our second problem quickly became apparent, our room was far from ready, with building work still being carried out in its bathroom. After more issues with language barriers another room was eventually provided. Anyway enough of the ranting, here are a few photos of our target species.
The first few days were spent exploring Ada Bojana and its surrounding area. Due to temperatures exceeding 36'C, our searches were restricted to early mornings and evenings. The first reptile found was Testudo hermanni which turned out to be 1 of around 50 individuals found throughout the week.
Our main target species, Vipera ammodytes, of which 7 were found, had a fantastic range of colours.
Having walked approximately 2/3rds of the way across the Ada Bojana peninsula, we surprisingly passed a frontier barrier and its associated sign. Similarly we received messages on our mobiles welcoming us to Albania?!?!?
An unexpected find along one of our many walks was a European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Which when investigated/accidentally disturbed was found to be sitting on eggs. Rest assured we waited at a distance until the bird returned to its nest.