— What mystery do the eyes of a Grater short-horned lizard hide? These lizards possess distinctively shaped eyes with elongated pupils that are horizontally oriented. This gives them a rather unusual and captivating appearance. The specific reason for the elongated shape of their pupils is not entirely understood, and researchers are still studying the purpose behind it. One hypothesis suggests that it may be related to the lizard’s visual hunting strategy and their ability to accurately gauge distance and movement of their prey.
In September 2021 we re-visited Ruidoso, New Mexico. We simply love the area, and because it’s within a day’s drive from Austin, it is so easy to go there. Ruidoso is very pleasant and set right in the middle of the Lincoln National Forest, one of the most beautiful national forests we have in this country.
Our first hike this time was the Perk Ridge trail. We were able to enjoy the trail all to ourselves. The trail is approximately a 6-mile (9.6-km) loop with an elevation gain of 1,164 ft (354.7 m). It is best to do it counter-clockwise so that you get all the elevation gain right at the beginning.
Soon as we started hiking, I noticed a lizard running across the trail. It was too fast for me to photograph it, and it hid well in the foliage on the ground. However, when we reached the top of our hike, we stopped for a lunch break. Luck would have it that my eyes immediately saw this cute Greater Short-Horned lizard sunbathing not too far from where we had sat down. I started making photos right away.
Having learned that wildlife seldom stays still around humans, I first photographed the lizard with the camera I had in my hands. Sometimes I use my Samsung cell phone and sometimes, as in this case, I used a Sony α7c camera with a Tamron 18-400mm zoom lens (Canon lens with an adapter for Sony E mount). In a matter of 15 minutes, I did nothing but photograph and video this lizard. It stayed there with a raised paw for a long time. I made nearly 60 shots and was also even able to use my GoPro and switch to a Sigma macro lens. With every photo, I would move closer and closer, and the lizard stayed still. It was my lucky day.
Another challenge in photographing wildlife is finding creative angles. As with most of my wildlife macro photos, I seldom have the privilege of creating the ideal composition I want. I shoot what I see right away so that I’ll at least have one photo of the encounter. In this case, I was able to move a little bit around and get closer to the subject. However, with it being small (they measure around 2 to 5 inches or 5.1 to 12.7 cm), there was generally something blocking my view of it. I had to get my camera on the ground. Thanks to the fully-articulated LCD screen on the camera, I was able to see what I was photographing without having to be on my belly.
This post is my entry for Denzil Nature’s challenge on eyes.
Wind Kisses
Isn’t it wonderful when they hang around. Interesting to see the paw up. Must mean something. Sounds like a nice hike and an even nicer lunch spot.
Egídio Leitão
It’s perfection when nature lies there in front of our eyes and lets us bathe in its beauty.
Wind Kisses
Yes. It is often random, making it the best of experiences.
SoyBend
Beautiful markings!
Egídio Leitão
It was a cutie, for sure. Thanks, Siobhan.
I. J. Khanewala
Such an intimate potrait! Beautiful
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, I.J. I was lucky it allowed me to get that close.
philosophy through photography
Lizard appears in a good mood and is giving a friendly pose!
Egídio Leitão
You are right, and it did not appear to be afraid of me. Thanks for your comment. Happy holidays to you, too.
margaret21
Well done on getting ANY photos, let alone such good ones!
Egídio Leitão
Margaret, thanks for the lovely compliment.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che animaletto particolare. Grazie per la condivisione.
Egídio Leitão
Sono contento che ti sia piaciuto. Grazie.
Anne Sandler
What a beautiful lizard Egidio. Good capture.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Anne. I also thought it was beautiful and friendly.