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:
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!
VG: You might need more of these:
Rodents
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.
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.
Tomasso: I like snakes, wish there were more around. Thankfully, the rattlesnakes stay on the east side of the neighbourhood here.
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.
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.
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