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Pogona barbata
One of the most beautifully-marked Bearded Dragons I have ever seen. This fellow would be about 18-20 inches (45-50 cms) long, and I'm pretty sure this is 'Little Bloke', a very young juvenile I spotted (and nicknamed) back in 2011 at this exact location. I would estimate this fellow to be 3-4 years old, so the age is about right, and the colour and markings are very similar. A real beauty, and I'm so delighted to be reacquainted with him. Lots of information on this species and of Little Bloke can be found at the original spotting. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/220...
Spotted amongst native trees, shrubs, and grasses, in the gardens of the Metroplex on Gateway estate. There's lots of dense foliage and leaf litter, so there are plenty of hiding places. I spotted him a couple of times today feed on a type of clover growing in the lawn. Only a stone's throw from the Metroplex Wetlands, the area has an abundant food supply of beardie favouites. Also very odd to see him out at this time of year. It's the southern winter here, and today was only 20C, overcast, drizzling rain, and windy. Not exactly sun-baking weather.
I was stalking a bird through the undergrowth when I spotted this guy. I almost trod on him, but he didn't flinch, not one bit. Usually when threatened, beardies will puff up the throat and flatten out their torso. I reckon he remembers me from a couple of years ago. True story! PS: You probably can't see it here, but he actually has a human hair in his mouth (last two photos). >>>>> And here's a fellow PN-er's wonderful spotting of a beardie's gaping mouth and teeth. A very unique series. Thanks, Christiane. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/618...
Spotted on Aug 14, 2014
Submitted on Aug 14, 2014
20 Comments
Ain't it the truth. I prefer things to be a-la-naturale, so am naturally biased towards the wild animal. Not to say the colours aren't pretty though.
Thanks for pointing me this way, Neil. I prefer the brown colour too...did not know the inside of their mouth is yellow...now it will match . Or perhaps the breeders will go for a shocking contrast! So much to see...so much to learn on PN.
Cheers for the nomination, Fyn. That's a happy start for the week :-)
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
That is a lovely python! I'm sure she would be nice and cuddly:) I think you should get one Neil.
Just about everyone says that. A great temperament and loads of personality. My pets have always had fur, but if I wanted one with scales I would got the beardie, and perhaps a lovely spotted python. Look at this little lass - she stole my heart http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/325... If ever I was tempted...
Nice one Neil! I love beardies! Had one for 10 years and he was a wonderful pet.
I think so, but you know your beardies, Shanna. How does he compare to Indie as far as markings go? I reckon the a-la-naturale beardies are stunning, but I was looking at a site yesterday, and the colours they're breeding into the species is unbelievable (and I think unnatural). http://www.thebeardeddragon.org/types-of... I'm leaning towards the locals here, but each to their own.
Wow, he's a stunner.
Thanks, Maria and Christiane. The hair belonged to someone else. I think it was caught up in the clover he was eating. They are very brave. I usually get to within about 18 inches or so from them, but don't push it beyond that. They can move like lightning when they want to, but always in the opposite direction. Those claws could do some serious damage otherwise.
They are so funny and brave.. This one http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/618... was standing up against my dog showing its yellow warning. I had to rescue the little guy before Boof got over his shock.. :)
Great series and information! Is that human hair yours?
Thanks very much.
nice one neil!
Let them think what they want, I'm sure the dragon appreciated the conversation ;) I talk to animals all the time too, especially when they aren't cooperating for photos haha
My pleasure, Ashley. I fretted when he disappeared almost 3 years ago, so was overjoyed to meet him again yesterday. He's my wild pet. PS: I got so busted yesterday when someone caught me talking to him. I do get some very odd looks.
Great series of a beautiful lizard, Neil! They are so popular in the pet trade here, I sometimes forget they are wild creatures elsewhere in the world. Thanks for reminding me of that :)
Some very cool reptiles here, and you don't have to go too far to fine them, even in the city. These guys and the water dragons are my favourites.
Fantastic! Such a beautiful Dragon! I would have a blast in Australia :)
If I've ever been close to having a pet lizard, this is probably it. I reckon this is my little beardie from a couple of years ago, all grown up. I've wondered many times how he faired... and now I know :-)