Last observed: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/238134320
An old friend, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/231311128
Possibly the same individual seen on 15 Aug 2024.
EDIT: Yes, it is the same.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235992397
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235872786
Second photo showing head markings, taken six hours later in the same tree.
Same individual, still in same place as yesterday, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235872786, photographed again today for head-pattern shots.
Length between 5' and 6' (about 1.75m.) I don't recall seeing this individual before, at least, not recently, because the truncated tail-tip is not familiar.
Previous observations:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/221486684 (9 Jun 2024)
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/221259027 (8 Jun 2024)
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/187904438 (17 Oct 2023) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170057973 (29 Jun 2023)
It appears that this snake, as well as at least one other larger python, has been staking out a fruiting Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum,) which has been attracting flying foxes and probably other mammals. This individual is fairly small, about 1 – 1.5m long. One identifying feature is the truncated tail-tip. (I don’t think I’ve seen it before… at least, not since the injury to the tail.)
Photographed in different positions in the same tree, over a 2.5 hour period.
In photo #2 the snake is being attacked by a Butcher Bird, which is the indistinct flurry of feathers, top right.
This was a young individual, maybe a metre long.
I would estimate this snake to be between 8 and 9 feet long. If its recent meal was a possum, it must have been a big one. Or could it have been two?… or a bettong?
Judging by the creases on the scales in the distended section of its body, I would say the snake is about to shed its skin.
Edit: I was able to get a more accurate assessment of its length later in the afternoon, when it had finished its siesta, and stretched out - 2.45 metres (8 feet.)
From the look of the blood on its head, it looks as if this snake's last meal, which was most likely a possum, put up a bit of a fight.
I'm not sure that this is the same snake I saw this morning. It seems bigger (around 3m.)
Crossing Biscoff Mill Road, near the windmill, west to east.
A beautiful honey & brown colouration which I haven't previously observed around Watsonville.
Length: 2.5 - 3 metres.
CORRECTION: I have seen one other with a similar colouration - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/193198838
This small snake (1 - 1.5m long) has appeared in the house just now. It is obviously after the rodent(s) we detected here in the last couple of days.
Observed also on 20 Dec 2023, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/194515996, and 5 Feb 2024, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/198400386.
Head markings indicate that this is the same snake observed on 20 Dec 2023, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/194515996, and 22 Dec 2023, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/198443326. On both previous occasions it was lying in wait on the lawn outside the house. Tonight it was in the house (and judging by the bulge in its belly the next morning, it found what it was looking for.)
Herberton powerline track.
Herberton powerline track.
AVH calls this Sedopsis armitii.
Herberton powerline track.
AVH calls this Sedopsis armitii.
POWO and iNat place this name as a synonym of Portulaca bicolor.
Wish I had my proper camera for this one, those bright orange antennae! Landed on me just outside the house, so I'll be keeping my eye out for it.