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.
