Slight movement caught my eye and dragged me away from the computer screen. There was a snake at my window!
The window was open but the mosquito screen meant it wouldn't be joining me inside. I wouldn't have minded anyway, knowing it was a harmless Golden Tree Snake, but my wife probably would have.
This is probably the most commonly seen snake in Thailand and no doubt it was hunting house geckoes. Seeing me peering at it, the snake slid between the panes and managed to find a place where I couldn't see it anymore.
Now outside but unsure if it was still there I gently moved the window a little. Its nicely patterned head reappeared followed by its lovely green body as it decided to make a break for it.
But now on top of a rainwater barrel (yes, I know, the leaves need cleaning out!) it had a dilemma. It didn't want to be so close to me but the escape route would make it a bit vulnerable with a long drop to the ground.
After a minute's deliberation with no sign of me leaving, it took the leap and landed with a splat. They do apparently have some ability to glide although I couldn't really see evidence of it here. As soon as it reached the green grass it became almost invisible and impossible to follow. I think it went up the nearest tree. They usually do.
I love it when the day is punctuated by a wildlife encounter like this, especially if they actually come knocking on the window.