Let your heart be a portal for the songs of the universe.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Great Horned Lizard Caper


The temperature hovers near 70º F as Cooper and I work our way across the Llano Estacado. The first Prickly Pear Cactus roses and Lámparas de Dios light up the prairie environs. With expected highs in the mid-nineties Horned Lizards take advantage of the morning airs to forage for their favorite prey--Red Harvester Ants. As Cooper and I wind our way across the arid landscape, we encounter three of the lizards in separated locations. I’m glad to see the population continues to thrive in the face of continuing drought conditions.

Cooper decides to investigate the first specimen thoroughly and tries to encourage the lizard to scramble for cover. He scrapes his paws in frustration, as the Horned Lizard chooses its primary defense mechanism and freezes in place. The standoff allows me to capture the amusing scene. After several minutes we bid adieu and part ways as friends.


© Ilija Lukić 2012


You Light Up My Life (Plains Prickly Pear Cactus)

New Mexico State Flower (Yucca)

Southwest Beauty (opuntia macrorhiza)

Prickly Pear Cactus Roses

Lámparas De Dios On Yucca Flats

Lizard Caper 1 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 2 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 3 (Cooper)


Freeze (Horned Lizard)
Motionless Alert (Horned Lizard)

One Tough Hombre (Horned Lizard)

Don't Let The See You Sweat (Horned Lizard)

Lizard Caper 4 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 5 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 6 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 7 (Cooper)

Lizard Caper 8 (Cooper)

Cactus Rose Bouquet (Plains Prickly Pear Cactus)

Serrate-Leaf Evening Primrose (oenothera serrulata)

Noplales En La Primavera (opuntia macrorhiza)

Yucca At The Cusp Of Magnificence (yucca campestris)

Squirrel Tail Serenade (hordeum jubatum)

The Beauty Within The Beast (opuntia macrorhiza)

Budding Masterpiece (yucca campestris)

Large Pad Revival (opuntia engelmannia)


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