All the birds (OK, many) and all the flowers (again, many) and all the mustangs (really) may be my favorites, but when I tell you that collared lizards are my *favorite* lizards, they really are. While I adore horny toads (aka horned lizards), the bright turquoise collareds really are my very favorites of the reptile world (which might not be saying much as I’m really not a reptile kinda gal).
This handsome mister was sunbathing on a very pleasantly warm morning in Disappointment Valley. When I first encountered him, I had only my cell phone, so I returned with the big gun. He was much happier with me at a distance necessary with a long lens. I was happy that it allows me much more precise focusing on his amazing details.
We photographers like the eye-to-eye approach, but I had to rise a little to get that magnificent tail all in view.
After a bit, he thought he’d seek his shelter’s shade (I don’t think he’d been the only occupant; there was quite a lot of room beneath the overhang of his boulder, and I think something else may have done the initial excavation).
And then I appreciated how the shade allowed more details of and around his eye.
What a super handsome little dinosaur! So glad to see this bright fellow – first of the year for me. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Collard lizards are…well…”one of my favorite things.” Again. 😁 You took such great photos of this one, TJ, captured all of the gorgeous, irridescent colors perfectly. He is certainly quite the specimen!
I always wonder how such bright colors are an evolutionary benefit for a lizard in a drab desert?! But they sure are gorgeous. 🙂
I remember seeing one of these beautiful lizards with you
I remember, too. 🙂 I always brake for these beauties!
WOW! What a cutie he or she is!
Right?! 🙂 Kinda fierce looking … but super cute!
His colors really stand out in the shade – what a guy (or gal)
Pretty sure the turquoise ones are males; the females are more drab – though apparently they develop red spots when they’re pregnant!
He’s beautiful. I’ve drawn this guy, but never seen one in real life. That would be so cool.
Oh, I hope you get to see one – or many! They really are super handsome!
He is gorgeous . I haven’t seen any around here, but lots of other types.
I’m not sure of their range. They’re apparently called “eastern collared lizards,” though Colorado is clearly part of *the West*! Ha. Maybe that means “east of California”? 🙂
I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes at first when we saw that amazingly colorful fellow yesterday! Like someone from the rain forest, those colors where a gorgeous but surprising sight! Not sure what evolutionary advantage the brilliant colors provide, but he seemed proud and allowed us to capture lots of pictures!!! Just amazing experience on an already amazing day! How lucky we we!
Right!? I’m absolutely amazed that Stephen saw the little guy. 🙂 I love any/all time spent with those little critters. They just fascinate me! So glad we had such a marvelous day with the mustangs, and thank you both so much for being ecstatic visitors! 🙂