Common Lizard Hibernation

I've a few observations that might help Al,

First thing, they don't always hibernate that deep, can be just a few millimeteres down under a piece of bark or in a crack in a log. Tree roots is another favourite spot.

The can hibernate it large groups, we have found this under felts before - but it is opportunistic not like the habitual communal hibernacula one associates with adder. I've often seen common lizards emerge around adder hibernacula in the spring.

Gives me a picture of an animal that just chooses the most convenient place, if it is a good place then many of them may gather there but also they may be spread over an entire site in any crack or crevise during the winter.

for the benefit of anyone who hasn't seen it.

http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1339 &PN=3

i thought it was such an amazing image that it was worth seeing again.

tim