Nahe valley

The Nahe is a river in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, Germany, a left tributary to the Rhine. The name Nahe is derived from the Latin word Nava, which is supposed to be based upon the Celtic origin for the wild river. So much for the small introduction with wikipedia support. But yes, talking about the wild river in Germany, I think it has earned the name. This river is one of the very last spots in Germany, where the Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata) occurs. In the Vineyards around the river lives another gem: the Western Green Lizard (Lacerta bilineata). I spent a nice day in the beautiful area near Bad Kreuznach.

The river Nahe

Pelophylax ridibundus - Marsh Frog

Calopteryx splendens - Banded Demoiselle ♂

Fulica atra - Eurasian Coot

Natrix tessellata - Dice Snake

Natrix tessellata - Dice Snake

Habitat close to the vineyards

Lacerta bilineata - Western Green Lizard, juvenile

Lacerta bilineata - Western Green Lizard

Scaly Emerald

The German name of the European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis) is "Smaragdeidechse", which translates to "Emerald Lizard". Both names fit very well and so the coloration of this handsome reptile is not really a suprise. 

Compared to the Dalmatian Wall Lizard (Podarcis melisellensis) in the top left corner, the Emerald Lizard looks huge.

I carefully sneaked up to a nicely colored male specimen. I got very close and took a bunch of pictures.

After proving my patience, I was lucky too: My bright green model was not only used to my presence, it was obviously even bored - and yawned! This observation and a collection of great pictures made my day.

Frog Rescue

When I came across this manhole, I checked if some animals were trapped inside. And yes, I found six Marsh Frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) and one Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina). It took a little time, but I got all of them and released them at a pond nearby. I seized the oportunity and took a few pictures of the Agile Frog, it was the only one I saw during this trip.