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.