SPRINGWATCH viewers were left traumatised and upset following tough scenes in Monday’s episode. The long-running BBC nature programme returned for its 20th series last month. Presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan introduced the latest instalment.
However, fans were devastated when the pair revealed their reed bunting chicks had been attacked by an adder snake. Chris, 63, narrated the heartbreaking scenes as viewers were shown what had happened. He issued a warning beforehand: “We are able to witness things which we aren't always able to see.
"Some things are absolutely fascinating, and our duty of course is to report all of this to you and to show you what is really happening out here. We tell you the complete truth. "Sometimes, however, the truth is quite hard to swallow.
"This is going to be a tough watch so if you are feeling a bit squeamish tonight, you may not want to find out what happened to our reed bunting chicks." A clip of the mother and four chicks played, as Chris' voiceover explained: "We had four of them in the nest , down on the marsh, they were doing well and both adults were coming in frequently with food. “Here we see the female coming in and bringing them some food but look at this.
“Out of nowhere, an adder appears. The female flees obviously immediately and the snake bites two of the youngsters, clearly envenomating them because they are almost immediately still. Either incapacitated or dead.
"Then it moves around and thinks of taking on.
