When I first encountered Eastern Water Dragons up close, I have to admit to feeling rather apprehensive. But the more I became involved in photography, the more I decided to swap intimidation for experience.
It wasn't long before I realized that these wonderful creatures were more fearful of me than I needed to be of them......even the very big ones. In fact, they are a photographers dream because although some move away quickly at my approach, most of them freeze on the spot and play dead. But their eyes move left and right and their tongues dart in and out confirming that they are very much alive.
The images below are a collection of little lizards taken form various locations around the Brisbane area of Queensland, Australia.
Eastern Water Dragons (Physignathus Lesueurii) grow up to 80-90cm in length, most of which, is their tails. They are characterized by their grey/brownish colour and their black bands on their back and tail. There is also a black stripe on the side of their heads behind their eyes.
Their bellies are creamy white in colour but the males often have a red tinge on their belly or chest. Enlarged scales form a crest down the middle of their head, back and tail. Their legs are quite long and very powerful and their strong tails are flattened on the sides which enables them to swim well.
Eastern Water dragons are situated in eastern coastal areas of Australia and they inhabit areas from north Queensland to Gippsland in Eastern Victoria. Great tree climbers, they love stretching out on branches which overhang the water. If they feel threatened, they slip into the water and swim to the bottom and wait for danger to pass and they can stay under the water for approximately 30 minutes at a time.
Small reptiles, worms, frogs, insects, vegetation, fruit, small mammals and molluscs make up their diet. Males rule effectively over a harem of females and females lay about a dozen eggs in excavated, sandy holes. Their young hatch in about 3 months and they mimic their parents by learning how to defend themselves as soon as they hatch.
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Nice work! They almost look as if they have mohawks, with those fleshy ridge things. Maybe more like the comb of a chicken than a mohawk. They look so assertive and alert.
i wish we had more lizards around these parts. They eat bugs.
Fantastic shots! From all the reptiles, lizzards are the ones I like. I wish i can make a single shot at least, but the little buggers are so fast and escaped every time. 😀
Haha.....they can be a bit camera shy Neli. I'm lucky with the places I go to in that the eastern water dragons are quite used to the public coming an going on a daily basis and generally don't feel threatened by us. Thanks for dropping by.
Fabulous photographs Trudee. You've really captured their alertness and ancientness.
Has been a great summer for seeing the waterdragons. We even had one come into our backyard, most likely searching for fresh water.
Even though they seem to be more fearful of us ~ Whenever I'm photographing them my mind tells me they could all of a sudden act like a goanna and think I'm a tree. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
So true Ally! Although I am used to getting very close to them, I am more cautious of the bigger ones. I've had them spit at me before and I know that this is their natural defense mechanisms kicking in but the dragon part of their DNA prompts me to stand back a little when taking their photos. (lol)
I tend to not want to scare them too. Sometimes when they have 'frozen' and I need to walk past them, I make out like I'm walking away and they scamper off. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
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You got some great shots of the lizards. They do look like little dragons.
Thanks Jo. They are mini dragons that haven't learned how to blow fire out of their nostrils yet.(lol).
Nice work! They almost look as if they have mohawks, with those fleshy ridge things. Maybe more like the comb of a chicken than a mohawk. They look so assertive and alert.
i wish we had more lizards around these parts. They eat bugs.
Thanks @fotosdenada I have grown quite fond of them and love their unique features.
Fantastic shots! From all the reptiles, lizzards are the ones I like. I wish i can make a single shot at least, but the little buggers are so fast and escaped every time. 😀
Haha.....they can be a bit camera shy Neli. I'm lucky with the places I go to in that the eastern water dragons are quite used to the public coming an going on a daily basis and generally don't feel threatened by us. Thanks for dropping by.
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Fabulous photographs Trudee. You've really captured their alertness and ancientness.
Has been a great summer for seeing the waterdragons. We even had one come into our backyard, most likely searching for fresh water.
Even though they seem to be more fearful of us ~ Whenever I'm photographing them my mind tells me they could all of a sudden act like a goanna and think I'm a tree. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
So true Ally! Although I am used to getting very close to them, I am more cautious of the bigger ones. I've had them spit at me before and I know that this is their natural defense mechanisms kicking in but the dragon part of their DNA prompts me to stand back a little when taking their photos. (lol)
I tend to not want to scare them too. Sometimes when they have 'frozen' and I need to walk past them, I make out like I'm walking away and they scamper off. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎