Backyard Wildlife Pond: June 25, 2026, 15:40
Species Observed:
- California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae)
- Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus)
- Common Side-Blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)
- Orange-Throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythrus)*
- Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata)
- Figeater Beetle (Cotinis mutabilis)
- Western Yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica)
- Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium)
*California Species of Special Concern
I was sitting outside by the pond when I was surprised to see a California kingsnake slither only a foot away from me. It was crossing the pond from one patch of spikerush to the other. This was the first time I had ever seen a snake using my wildlife pond, and I managed to take a quick picture of its tail before it disappeared. I had cut down about half of the spikerush recently to make sure there was more open water for the dragonflies. Without this open water section, I am sure I never would’ve known the snake was there. Since the pond was made last June, I have only trimmed and managed half of it, leaving the other half with some thick cover for wildlife.
After the initial encounter, I frequently checked on the pond by glancing through my window. It wasn’t long until I spotted the kingsnake swimming through the pond to head back to the smaller patch of spikerush. By the time I had my camera ready, the snake had disappeared. It wasn’t too long before I saw the kingsnake gliding through the water one more time.
During my snake watch, I also happened to see another strange event. A side-blotched lizard, a western skink, and an orange-throated whiptail all ended up around the pond at the same time. The side-blotched lizard has become quite a common sight, but the other two were exciting new visitors! It was incredible to think how the kingsnake lay only a few feet away, fully concealed by the bright green spikerush.
Try to find the small tail moving in the pictures below!
Earlier Snake Encounter
Front yard: June 9, 2026, 17:04
Only a few weeks earlier, a kingsnake was spotted in my front yard. This snake was about 4 ft long and had alternating yellow and black/brown bands. These colors match the kingsnake found today. However, upon further comparison, the band patterns of the tail don’t seem to match accurately with the pond’s snake. It seems we actually have two different California kingsnakes that visited our property.
Disclaimer: I identify species to the best of my ability, but incorrect identifications may occur.
