I had never photographed an Eastern Collared Lizard until earlier this week at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in beautiful southwestern Oklahoma. These striking lizards were photographic lifers for me.
Male Eastern Collared Lizard on a lichen covered boulder – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
I knew there was a very good chance of getting wonderful images of Eastern Collared Lizards at the refuge because my dear friend and excellent wildlife photographer Steve Creek had taken great photos of them there before.
I was thrilled to photograph this male lizard on a lichen-covered boulder, and when he turned back to look at me, it made my photos even better because of the catch light in his eye.
Male Eastern Collared Lizard at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
The lizard’s bright yellows and turquoise blue stood out beautifully against the reddish boulder, and the yellow lichen echoed the color of his head.
His “collar” doesn’t show well in these first two photos. I was hoping to get some that showed it more clearly.
Bright and colorful male Eastern Collared Lizard – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/2500, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
The next day, on a different boulder, in a different location, and with a different lizard, I took the photos I’d been hoping for that showed off the collar this species gets its name from.
I liked the alert pose of this bright, colorful male Eastern Collared Lizard too.
The female and young of this collared lizard species aren’t as bright or as colorful, but I spent time focused on them as well. Hopefully, I’ll get some of those images processed soon so I can share them.
I had a great deal of fun photographing lizards at the refuge while I was there.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my reptile and amphibian photos in their galleries.
What an absolutely spectacular group of pics! Such a beautiful little guy; the color and detail in every shot is extraordinary. That last photo takes me back 70 million years and I can readily imagine that dino beasties of the time had equally beautiful colors and markings. Thanks Mia.
I love the last image!
What a dramatic little beauty. Fifteen minutes for your site to load for me this morning. Hiss and spit.
Love that last push-up shot! He sure looks fit.
Wonderful color capture!
He is so beautiful! What amazing color!