Mark Hancock wrote, “My grandson Ollie and I stopped at the Vista Trail at the top of the Jenner Grade to give my dog Tasi her walk.  As we completed the loop we were thrilled to see a baby King Snake on the path.  I used to catch them regularly as a kid in Corte Madera, but hadn't seen one for decades up here on the coast.”

I sent Mark’s photo to herpetologist Gary Nafis. He wrote, “Yes, it's a Cal King. They don't seem to be as common on the north coast as they are elsewhere.”California King Snakes are non venomous.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

After the rain of Sunday night into Monday - we received 0.37 inches at Rick's and my place, 61.93 season to date - sunshine and wind have ruled the day. Spring winds bring upwelling in the Pacific Ocean, igniting the entire food chain in the ocean.