Update: I think it might be a temperature thing coupled with having lazy/"nocturnal" snakes. I taped up the sides at around the same time we had a huge jump in temps. We were at around 30 degrees without ac for a couple of days and I caught them out a few times during early evening hours. Even with the ac on, it was hotter than it has been. Now the weather is back down to the teens and they're back to laying around in their hide all day.

As for the albino discussion, I've noticed that my albino gets spooked by shadows more easily. At the same time, he's usually the first to notice me wiggling my finger at him and come out looking for food. Also, I think he does prefer evening as well BUT, he used to regularly bask like centimeters directly under the light. Who knows, maybe he cant decide how he feels about light.