A Hunting We Will Go

The Ocellated Lizard has been very active in the garden, hunting for insects, but also sunbathing and resting in the shade.

When the temperature rises they come out of their hiding places, and hunt, sometimes in pairs, or with their young.

They are particularly green and blue at this time of the year and  their colouration increases with bright sunlight.

As usual I have taken far too many photos for one post , so I'll devide them up and make a few posts to show you.

I can't seem to get enough of these guys, and am often surprised at how large they can be, almost like little crocodiles.
It's Europes largest lizard, measuring 1-2ft long, but they may reach 3ft in length.

Having to cut their tails off the photos is a shame, but it's the only way to get a closer shot.

I think this must be a mother with her youngster. It was fun watching them hunting, and seeing their long tongues flick out .My husband and I befriended a young Ocellated lizard years ago, and we named him George. He became quite tame, but when we returned from holiday one time,he had disapeared. We never discovered what happened to him.:(

Resting under the chair I had been sitting on moments before. they watch and wait for any sign of a snack.