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Project Noah Nature School
Pogona barbata
I reckon it's several years since I've seen this fellow. He's a big 'beardie', and I recognise him by the nick on the end of his tail. Had he not been on the road and a passing car toot its horn at him, I would have been unaware of his presence. Approx 20-24 inches in length, and very handsome. This particular individual is a master of camouflage, and unless you knew he was there (clinging to the tree), you would pass him by... as everyone did, all day long. His disposition was relaxed and I don't think he felt threatened by me in any way, although I was respectful of distance and moved very slowly. If threatened, the throat puffs up and the body flattens, and it wasn't until the last photo that he had enough and shot up the tree. A happy reunion. Information on this species can be found at one of my previous spottings in Laidley, QLD - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/221...
In a local park, which is this individual's usual domain. Found climbing a Rosewood tree (Tipuana tipu). The following day found climbing a native Ironbark tree (photos 5 and 6). The fifth photo shows both trees he was climbing on both days.
What is this fellow doing out at this time of year??? It's winter here and he should be hibernating. To the idiots who deny we're undergoing climate change, look again. It's 25 degrees (celsius), I'm still wearing shorts and T-shirts, and he's still sunning himself on the road and climbing trees. Most unusual. He's a local lizard, so I must think up a name for him. Any suggestions?
Spotted on Jun 15, 2014
Submitted on Jun 16, 2014
9 Comments
Thanks guys. He was a little bit more obvious on the road, but also a good indication of size as they stand tall with the head raised. Big enough for a car to honk its horn at him. On the tree, it's a different story. He was at face height too. I was waiting for someone to freak out haha
terrific series neil!
What a beauty Neil. Such great camouflage. He's amazing. Like you say, I would've walked straight past him.
Thanks very much, Viv. He is a beauty!!
Great spotting and info Neil .... love it!!
Usually content, mostly happy, sometimes difficult... but still a big softy. We've got a week of warm weather ahead, so I hope my beardie mate hangs around. When it gets cold, he'll disappear and I'll start to grizzle (I don't do cold).
But that also means that you are a deeply content soul :)
I was overjoyed, Hema. When we don't see our favourites for a while, I guess we think the worst. I also have a resident ringtail possum, and when she doesn't come home, oh I fret! Too soft for my own good.
It must been a great joy to see your long lost friend!
The weather is weird all over!!