Sunday, May 03, 2015

A snake in the grass.

Or rather, a snake in the California burclover. This afternoon, I was just about finished shoot-stuffing in the Syrah vines when I turned around and spotted this little fellow.  Actually, he wasn't very little at all, he was probably a good 28 -30 inches long.  Mr. Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) was very cooperative, he patiently waited whilst I ran up to the house to get my camera and then again whilst I positioned myself, like him, on my belly for his photo shoot.  But not before I had a quick look at the end of his tail, just to make sure (and he had a quick smell of me with his tongue).  When we were done I got up to see where Vinodog 2 was (making a nuisance of herself) and Mr. Snake quietly slithered off.  Hopefully he was going to make himself useful in performing his job and disposing of a gopher, or two.  One can hope.

7 comments:

New Hampshire Wineman said...

This is great!
Nice nature shot, tongue tasting and all; maybe looking for tipple, but of course more than likely looking for a mouse or rat!
Very interesting!

New Hampshire Wineman said...

VG: You might need more of these:
Rodents

Vinogirl said...

NHW: Haven't noticed any increase in the rodent population yet, but things are not quite bone dry yet. More snakes, owls and hawks are always welcome in Vinoland.

Thomas said...

Living here, I have come to appreciate snakes. We encourage them in the cellar and around the house.

Wish I could take such fine photos as yours, though.

Vinogirl said...

Tomasso: I like snakes, wish there were more around. Thankfully, the rattlesnakes stay on the east side of the neighbourhood here.

MADrid REDS said...

I nearly stood on a Spanish Ladder Snake (Rhinechis scalaris) at my vineyard in Ribera del Duero during weeding last weekend. Non-venomous but a nasty bite apparently.

Vinogirl said...

MR: Welcome to, and thank you for visiting, Vinsanity.
Gopher snakes, fortunately, don't bite at all. This particular snake, Charlie, didn't even hiss at me.