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Forums · RMNP

Ahhh, it's a lizard's life!

Discussion

13 replies
Posted by Chuck Peacock on May 14, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Hey,
Haven't contributed much for a while.
I've been busy with "life" and trying to get a sideline beekeeping business off the ground.

Anyway, got a new 50D a few days ago and thought I'd test it on the lizards out at the Monument Canyon Trail in CNM.

This guy was just hanging out and looked almost too comfortable in his little flower garden. I disturbed him enough that he got up, chomped on globe mallow flower, and found another spot to hang.

Posted by John Mumaw on May 14, 2009 at 10:51 PM
This is quite exceptional!
Love the colorful lizard against the less than colorful environment, and the flowers are icing on the cake.
You've got that new camera off to a great start!
Posted by Steven Peckham on May 14, 2009 at 11:03 PM

Very nice. I like the diagonal composition and colors as well. The lizard really stands out. The front of the rock looks a little soft on the small image so I hope the tail is sharp all the way to the tip. Otherwise the shallow DOF is very nice as well.
Posted by Pam Colander on May 14, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Even lizards stop and smell the flowers...nIce! What kind is this guy? Great color contrast between it and the more subtle surroundings. Where are you starting your beekeeping business? Congrats on your new toy :toast:
Posted by Chuck Peacock on May 14, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Wow, you guys are fast. Thanks for the comments.

This is a "crotaphytus collaris" or collared lizard. There are about a gazillion, ok, maybe 10 or 15 subspecies and I'm not sure which this is.
They really do standout, especially the males when they get "worked up".

We're starting the beekeeping here in Grand Junction. I forget that our locations don't show up anymore for those of us who don't pay up.
Posted by Aleksandra Miesak on May 15, 2009 at 12:27 AM
Wow, he's awesome! And a great capture! I can never catch any of these guys, need to work on my stealth skills I guess :biggrin:
Posted by Kalin Wilson on May 15, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Very cool, not something you'd see around these mountain parts. Nice shot.
Posted by Todd Caudle on May 15, 2009 at 1:06 AM
Lizard on rock = :toast:
Lizard on rock surrounded by flowers = :eek: :jump:
Posted by Kelly Black on May 15, 2009 at 2:49 AM
Love how colorful he is compared to his surrounding, except for the flowers. Nice diagonal composition. Excellent shot.
Posted by Scott Bacon on May 15, 2009 at 7:55 AM
Very cool. Those have got to be just about the most colorful animals in the RMNP area.
Posted by Roger Rouch on May 15, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Very neat! That is one colorful fellow and the flowers make for a nice edging on things.
Posted by Morris McClung on May 15, 2009 at 3:36 PM
That's as pretty a lizard as one could ever see. And you captured it well.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on May 15, 2009 at 9:13 PM
This is really cool! I had no idea such a creature existed in Colorado.
Posted by Dan Walters on May 16, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Nice shot! Like the colors of the lizard. He does look relaxed!