I spotted these two Southern Coal Skinks mating near one of my storage buildings (Ouachita Mountains – Arkansas). I believe this is my first time photographing a mating pair of Skinks or Lizards.
Notice that the male has a tick near the front leg.
The Coal Skink mates in spring or early summer, laying a clutch of 8 or 9 eggs. I also read that the sides of the head of the male are reddish during spring breeding season.
How I Got The Shot – Southern Coal Skinks Mating
I was hand-holding a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera with a Canon EF100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens attached.
This took place on May 7, 2015, at 5:00 p.m.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Back-button focus
- Aperture f8
- ISO 640
- Shutter speed – 1/800 sec.
- Auto White Balance
- Exposure Compensation – 0 EV
- Single Point, Continuous Auto Focus
- Multi Metering
- Focal Length – 400 mm