Hell maybe it is just that high-contrast.
Its definitely there awareness, although that high contrast enhances it even more. Just move around his enclosure sometime when hes got his head hanging out of his hide and watch those pretty eyes shift as he follows your movements. Ive noticed that the only times I catch mine off gaurd is when he's fully retreated inside his hide, than I know hes catching some serious z's.Keep us updated on your experience with him.