This is the same Prairie Lizard I photographed recently (Prairie Lizard From Above). It was perched on my deck near the Ouachita National Forest, with a second lizard spotted just below, closer to the ground. My cabin’s surroundings provide a perfect habitat for these lizards, with sunny spots, plenty of wooden surfaces for basking, and natural cover to hide from predators.
Habitat and Behavior
Prairie Lizards are common in Arkansas, thriving in sunny, open areas with plenty of places to bask. The wooden surfaces of my deck seem to attract them, as they provide warmth during the cooler parts of the day. Lizards are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This lizard had positioned itself on the edge of the deck to absorb the morning sun.
The second lizard I noticed below might have been a potential rival or mate. During the breeding season, males often compete for territory, while females may seek out suitable nesting areas. This lizard’s calm demeanor allowed me to get close enough for a detailed shot, capturing the intricate textures of its scales.
Camera Settings and Technique
For this shot, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached via a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. Here were my settings:
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- Shutter Speed: 1/340 sec
- Aperture: f/8
- ISO: 800
The aperture of f/8 provided a good depth of field, keeping the lizard’s head in focus while gradually blurring the background. This separation helps emphasize the lizard’s features, especially its rough skin and tiny scales. The shutter speed of 1/340 sec was fast enough to account for any slight movement from the lizard or my hand.
Photographing Lizards: Tips and Techniques
- Use a Telephoto Lens: A lens with a focal length of at least 300mm allows you to capture details from a distance without startling the lizard.
- Shoot in Natural Light: Lizards often bask in sunny areas, so use the natural light to bring out their textures.
- Position Yourself at Eye Level: Capturing the lizard at eye level gives the viewer a more intimate perspective.
- Watch for Other Lizards: When you spot one lizard, others are often nearby. Keeping an eye out for additional subjects can lead to more photo opportunities.
The Ouachita National Forest’s Role in Local Wildlife
The Ouachita National Forest, located near my cabin, supports a variety of wildlife, including reptiles like Prairie Lizards. Its diverse landscape of mixed hardwoods and open clearings provides plenty of spots for these reptiles to bask and hunt. Areas like my deck, which are close to natural habitats, often serve as transitional zones where wildlife can be observed up close.
Photographing these lizards adds to the appreciation of the subtle interactions that occur in nature. Whether it’s the competition between males or a lizard basking in the sun, each moment offers a glimpse into the lives of these resilient creatures.