Spring is a magical time for nature enthusiasts as many animals come out of their winter slumber and start to explore their surroundings. Here in Arkansas, one of the early signs of spring is the appearance of Skinks, such as the Five-lined Skink, which I was fortunate enough to spot while hiking in the Ouachita Mountains.

Southern Coal Skink Top View
Five-lined Skink Top View

 

Southern Coal Skink Side View
Five-lined Skink Side View

As a wildlife photographer, I always carry my Fujifilm X-T3 camera equipped with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro. This combination provides me with the flexibility and mobility to capture the beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat.

During my recent hike, I came across this Five-lined Skink on a log, and I was able to capture some stunning photos of this beautiful creature. It’s always an exciting moment to come across an animal in the wild, especially during the early days of spring when everything is starting to come back to life.

Skinks are fascinating creatures, and they play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are known to feed on insects and other small invertebrates, helping to keep the balance in nature. In the spring, they come out of their winter hibernation and start to explore their surroundings, basking in the warm sun and foraging for food.

To capture this Skink on camera, I had to move quickly and get as close as possible without scaring it away. I hand-held my camera and lens, and with the help of my Black rapid camera strap, I was able to keep my gear stable while moving around. With some patience and a bit of luck, I managed to capture some stunning shots of this beautiful Skink.

In conclusion, spring is an exciting time for wildlife enthusiasts, as many animals come out of hibernation and start to explore their surroundings. Here in Arkansas, the appearance of Skinks is a sure sign that spring has arrived, and I’m always excited to capture their beauty on camera. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or exploring the nearby parks, there’s always something to discover and capture with my camera.

Camera Settings For First Photo

  • AV Mode
  • Aperture: f5.6
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/850 sec.
  • Focal Length: 400 mm

Camera Settings For Second Photo

  • AV Mode
  • Aperture: f5.6
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/680 sec.
  • Focal Length: 400 mm

Here are a couple of photos of a Juvenile Five-lined Skink I photographed: Juvenile Five-lined Skink On Log and Juvenile Five-lined Skink