Slough puts snake at risk

Came upon this Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) coiled on track in short grass yesterday.

Too open and hazardous a spot for a species usually extremely alert and sharp-eyed.

Though no sign elsewhere about body, slough seems to have begun at the eyes.

Snake senses me though it cannot see well, if at all. A gentle push with small stick encouraged it into safer cover.