Turquoise Treasure

Another interesting inhabitant of the Wichita Mountains (southwest Oklahoma) is the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris). During my recent visit, I saw several male lizards, but no females. Makes me think the females may be busy nesting right now.

These creatures are cold-blooded, staying in their dens on colder days. During my visit, it was cooler than normal, but some still made their way out to sun on rocks. Here are a few of my favorite images I captured of some male Eastern Collared Lizards as they sunned:

Eastern Collared Lizard male

Eastern Collared Lizard male

Eastern Collared Lizard male

Eastern Collared Lizard male

Eastern Collared Lizard male

An interesting behavior of these lizards is their ability to run about, on their hind legs. I’ve only seen this behavior a few times, but they look like miniature dinosaurs running about whenever they do! And I’ve never been able to photograph this unique behavior … maybe someday! :o)

Photographic Equipment Used:

  • Canon 7D body
  • Canon EF100mm-400mm, f/4.5-f/5.6, IS lens, shot at 400mm
  • Handheld, with IS “On”
  • ISO 200
  • Aperture f/18 and f/5.6
  • Shutter 1/320 sec. and 1/800 sec.

 

 

Posted in Nature Photography, Reptiles and Amphibians, Travel Photography
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