Saturday 19 July 2014

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.
 

19 comments:

Rita Vaselli said...

Colors and appearance incredibly beautiful,dear Sonija,for animals that usually I can not see so well ... and especially for me that I do not have a garden now ... I have the memory of having lived as a child in a beautiful garden .... but these animals made me run away! Now I can admire photographed by you!
Have nice weekend, hugs and kisses, Rita

TexWisGirl said...

wow! they are beautiful and awesome creatures!

Adam said...

cool lizard

Gail Dixon said...

These are in your garden? How wonderful! Beautiful and interesting. Look forward to seeing more shots.

orchid0324 said...

I never thought lizard SO cute like this :-) It seems looking at you wondering what you are doing♪ My favorite is the Mom and the young one's shot♡♡♡ I smiled you and your husband befriended 'George', pity you lost track of him.

Thank so much for looking into the link, Sonija. (wish it's ok to call you this way)
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

stiefbeen said...

geweldig wat zijn ze mooi.

karmnik54 said...

Fajna:)

Carole M. said...

most interesting to see; beautiful markings; how lovely to have them in your garden...

Maria said...

I love its colors, and the fact it's a lizard. How intriguing!

susan jane said...

beautiful markings, lovely shots. love Sue

Lasse said...

Colourful lizards. Nice catch!

Mike Attwood said...

Thats a cracking specimen.

Stuart Price said...

Looks like a dinosaur from a 1950's B movie!!!!!

Susan said...

Wow! I know very little about lizards, but these are gorgeous! Love their color combo and amazing pattern. I would enjoy watching them as well! Thank you for sharing :)

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

Wow, what a fantastic series, Sonjia. This is really a stunning animal with beautiful colours. I have never seen it. Wonderful photographic work! Greetings from the Netherlands, Joke

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sonjia!

I must confess that as a youngster I was far from regarding these lizards as friendly, as then they looked so "menacing" to me.Well known as sun worshipers, as long as there wasn`t anyone around...

Now they are just beautiful and proud-looking creatures, and definitely a pleasure to look at.

And your photos are great, as usual...

A friendly hug, and have a nice week.

Vitor

Russell Jenkins said...

Very spectacular lizards and you got some great shots. Their patterns are quite stunning.

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Fantastic pics of tTmon lepidus.. Bravo..

S. Etole said...

What beautifully colored and patterned lizards.

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