This reptile's no tourist, he's a Big Bear native who was trapped in a subterranean water meter enclosure, rescued by a meter reader, and delivered to Earth Home Garden.
Southern Alligator Lizards range from Washington State to Southern Baja California, so maybe they should be called 'Western' Alligator Lizards rather than 'Southern'.
I'm curious about the aligator's left "paw." Is that a stump or is the "paw" pointed in towards the body? If the latter, seems awkward but maybe there's an adaptation story there.
Yep, lizards are out in force since the weather warmed up, and I'll check out your blog for the sailing adventure.
Simply Tim-
I had similar thoughts the first time I viewed my photo, wondering if maybe that foot was crippled or something, but after reviewing my other photos, and going back out to watch the lizard crawl around the garden again, I saw that the rather human-like five-fingered hand/foot was functioning just fine. I have another photo where both of the front feet are curled under like that. I found that awkward looking stance curiously interesting too!
Just wanted to know if you would be open to selling advertising on your blog to related gardening sites. If yes, please get in touch with me as I would be interested in buying an ad. I could not find an email address on your blog which is why I am commenting here. Please feel free to delete this comment. Thank you!
I had one of these big boys in my garden last year. Wish I found them more often! Not like when we were kids, that's for sure. I'm sure you remember how much more abundant such critters were 'back in the day.' I even remember finding a horned lizard when we lived in Torrance. Bet you'd never find one there now!
I just set up my Delicious account and your blog was the very first thing I wanted to bookmark to make certain I can access it from anywhere. :) I love this "garden." KinKY
Click on image to enlarge - © 2009 jim otterstrom
SOUTHERN, ALLIGATOR.
ReplyDeleteTourist season started already.
I told you you have become a
tourist attraction.
Hi Anon-
ReplyDeleteThis reptile's no tourist, he's a Big Bear native who was trapped in a subterranean water meter enclosure, rescued by a meter reader, and delivered to Earth Home Garden.
Southern Alligator Lizards range from Washington State to Southern Baja California, so maybe they should be called 'Western' Alligator Lizards rather than 'Southern'.
i saw his cousin in my garden yesterday. Sailing trip notes and pictures recently posted on Sugarloaf mountain
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the aligator's left "paw." Is that a stump or is the "paw" pointed in towards the body? If the latter, seems awkward but maybe there's an adaptation story there.
Tim
David-
ReplyDeleteYep, lizards are out in force since the weather warmed up, and I'll check out your blog for the sailing adventure.
Simply Tim-
I had similar thoughts the first time I viewed my photo, wondering if maybe that foot was crippled or something, but after reviewing my other photos, and going back out to watch the lizard crawl around the garden again, I saw that the rather human-like five-fingered hand/foot was functioning just fine. I have another photo where both of the front feet are curled under like that. I found that awkward looking stance curiously interesting too!
We have had some red-faced lizard on the deck and at least two blue tailed skinks setting up shop.
ReplyDeleteBaja!!! Do you know if he took any trip south lately?
ReplyDeleteThis could be bad.
does he have a green card?
naturalized?
Oh Just NATURAL.ists
Thanks for the Facts guy.
How big is this liz.
ReplyDeletefrom photo hard to tell.
looks good sized
Just wanted to know if you would be open to selling advertising on your blog to related gardening sites. If yes, please get in touch with me as I would be interested in buying an ad. I could not find an email address on your blog which is why I am commenting here. Please feel free to delete this comment. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you posting again--have missed you!
ReplyDeleteI had one of these big boys in my garden last year. Wish I found them more often! Not like when we were kids, that's for sure. I'm sure you remember how much more abundant such critters were 'back in the day.' I even remember finding a horned lizard when we lived in Torrance. Bet you'd never find one there now!
I just set up my Delicious account and your blog was the very first thing I wanted to bookmark to make certain I can access it from anywhere. :) I love this "garden."
ReplyDeleteKinKY
Fab photo, Jim!
ReplyDeleteyou are so close - he looks absolutely huge!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot