xenogere

Sleepy anole

Posted on Mar 10, 2009 by jason

A gray, overcast day.  Warm temperatures and high humidity more appropriate for May than March.  And on the patio: a sleepy green anole (Anolis carolinensis)^[1].

I dared not disturb the beast, dared not intrude upon its lazy afternoon.  Instead, I circled carefully and cautiously, a slow, methodical waltz across the patio with camera held at the ready.

The creature glanced at me more than once.  I knew it monitored every move I made, listened to my less than silent approach.  Finally too close for comfort, it turned a bit such that it faced the photinia bushes where an easy escape could be made.

Its bright green^[2] flashed like a beacon against mundane colors painted with a charcoal brush.  How could I not be interested?

Lest you or I be fooled by the folly of restful dragons, however, not once did I enjoy a superior position.  Always mindful and always aware, my attempt at a closer picture resulted in a direct gaze followed by an immediate leap into the hedgerow.

Our encounter ended, I left the lizard to its day.

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[1] I can’t say if this was a male or a female.  Not once could I see its throat to determine if it had a noticeable dewlap (the red or pink fan males show in courtship and territorial displays).

[2] The last green anole I showed decided on a sunny day that prudence required it match the paint color of the patio fence.  Seeing one in dim light choose to be so bold and vibrant seemed more than interesting.

Tags: green anoles

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