Sheath your sword; do not smote this beast. 'Tis no mythic fire-breathing devil-substitute from the Middle Ages, but a simple
Australian Water Dragon. On the fight-flight axis, it is most certainly the latter that he will employ if you take one step closer. He will lift himself high onto four legs and scarper comically through the underbrush where he camouflages excellently.
Australian Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii), found on the east coast of Australia from Victoria north to Queensland. They are fast runners and strong climbers. When threatened, they seek cover in thick vegetation, or drop from an overhanging branch into water. They are able to swim totally submerged, and rest on the bottom of shallow creeks for up to 90 minutes, to avoid detection.
18 comments:
Very cool! Great images of this fellow.
I'm so glad that this dragon hung around and gave you so many great poses. Cool that they can stay under water so long. I didn't expect that!
Handsome fellow!
Hi Julie
These are fantastic shots of the Water Dragon.What a versatile fellow!
Wonderful shots of these little dragons.
Fantastic! We have little lizards scampering all around Beirut. I'd love to get a good picture someday. They move so fast it can be difficult to catch them.
Isn't he gorgeous in his own way, Julie? He looks a little like the marine iguanas we saw in the Galapagos, only this fellow is much handsomer, and not related.
Fabulous shots, my friend!
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
We saw one at a Blue Mountains lookout. It appeared unafraid and hanging around for a reason, which might have been food, but I don't know what tourists would have on their persons to feed a Water Dragon.
Oh what a beauty!!!
First shot is great.
Love the tilt of the head.
My spirits are always lifted after seaching your blog. Well done Julie. I love the harbour shots too.
You've got the focus spot on in the first one. I have lens envy.
What a beauty. Super shots. Love that glimpse of red tummy.
so funny the first
The first shot if fab ... I like the way we get to have a close look at his/her 'hands' and lovely skin.
Great shots especially the first one. I didn't know that they could stay under for so long. We have a family of them in the garden.
He clearly loves having his photo taken!
Awesome.
Fantastic captures of a beautiful animal!
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