Dragon

[wigz]

A rather small Bearded Dragon.

I had been planting seeds in the vegetable garden and went to place a plastic container on top of a stake but the top of the stake didn't look right. It has been back on one or another of the stakes most days this week

Nikon D850, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro lens

[AlfandBen]

Well spotted I imagine at a casual glance he was very well camouflaged against the stake. Great colours and detail. I have quite a soft spot for reptiles but we have nothing like this in the UK.

[wigz]

Here is an old film shot of a larger one showing its defence display.

[AlfandBen]

He doesn't look pleased to see you and looks like he has a bad case of the Mumps. I assume the bright yellow gape is all part of the deterent.

[wigz]

My son had been provoking it a bit, they are usually quite placid.

[K1W1]

Very similar colouration to a Tawny Frogmouth. I had not thought of that before.

[wigz]

Thanks, I had never made the connection either but they do both look like a piece of dry wood.

[David_MC]

Excellent shot Alan.

[wigz]

Thank you.

[MJ224]

I bet it made you jump when you saw it. A great reptile photo...

[wigz]

Thanks Mark, but no, it is quite small and larger ones are fairly common in the area, so not startled at all.

[Isac]

That's a fabulous shot Alan. Perfect lighting and detail. The oldie is a goodie too. It shows you've had your skills for a long time

[wigz]

Thanks Isac

[SharonH]

Amazing shot.

[wigz]

Thanks Sharon, it is still running around the garden and climbing the stakes.