The Goannas are out

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #220: One Subject Three Ways

Today is a very warm day. I was in the garden taking a few photos – yeah I know, most unusual – when I heard a bit of a rustling in the undergrowth. I knew exactly what it was. A Goanna. I went into the garden and as they always do, the Goanna ran up the nearest tree.

This one is a small one but is the first Goanna for Summer. He lay as flat as possible against the trunk so I wouldn’t notice him. I went onto the verandah so I was level with him to grab a couple of photos.

I noticed there was a red spot on his face. Goannas always have ticks on them so I had to get a closer photo just to see if it was a tick.

Just as I suspected, it is a tick. He didn’t seem to have any other ticks that I could see.

A Dragon in my garden

A few days ago, I was quite surprised to see an Eastern Bearded Dragon sunning itself on the driveway. It has been a while since I have seen an Eastern Bearded Dragon on my place, so of course I had to grab a few photos.

It didn’t seem to mind me getting a few photos and didn’t move apart from turning its head to keep a watch on me. Here’s a bit about Bearded Dragons –

“They’re often seen basking on tree stumps, fence posts, branches or boulders. From here they can see predators, prey and mates, all the while soaking up some sun. Bearded dragons are primarily diurnal (day active), though in summer they’re busiest in the early morning and late afternoon. They’re omnivorous lizards: they eat fruits and leaves, invertebrates (such as ants and beetles) and small vertebrates, including other lizards.

When threatened or alarmed bearded dragons puff out their beards and face intruders with an open mouth. At the same time they expand their bodies by inhaling air, making them seem larger than life, and may emit a low hiss. (I am lucky this one didn’t seem to find me a threat and was quite calm.)

Researchers recently discovered that bearded dragons have primitive venom glands, though the venom has little effect on people.

The biggest threats to bearded dragons are habitat loss and degradation due to land clearing and cattle grazing. They’re also sadly sometimes illegally captured for the pet industry”

“I’m keeping an eye on you mister”

“No good sneaking up behind”

“Now where did he go?”

“I might as well let him show everyone my markings and colours…..

….and my sharp claws which are great for climbing and digging”

“I am rather handsome aren’t I?”

“Yes, handsome I said to you……yes you!”

“I can be quite dignified as well”

Information from https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/bearded-dragons

Share You Desktop – November 2021

Clare’s Share Your Desktop

This months desktop is from November 2018 – a Smooth Parrot Pea. A tiny native plant that grows on my place. The flowers are like a regular pea flower only these ones are about 10mm – 1/2 Inch across. The longest leaf would be around 50mm or 2 Inches in length

They are all naturally grey

Life in Colour November: Black/grey

Jude has asked “What Greys in nature do you have to share?” I think you may have sent a loaded question Jude

The front and the rear (not the best sorry) of a Grey Fantail and then onto a few more

Peaceful Dove – Grey Goshawk – Grey Crowned Babbler
Little Friarbird – Common Brushtail Possum – Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike
Koala – Grey-shrike Thrush Spotted Gum
Ibis Feathers Old tree – Granite Boulders –
Line-blue Butterfly – Crested Tern

Superb penumbra of red up in the Grevillea

The Ragtag Daily Prompt: Penumbra
Becky’s Square Photo Challenge: #SquareUp

One of the reasons I wanted to play guitar

A King Parrot wondering what I am doing down there in the late afternoon. What do you think – B&W or colour?