Pets

theworldinlight.com

This Desert collared Lizard was found in the Woodbury Desert on Thursday running lickety-split along the side of a dirt road.  Stopping the car, my travel companion muttered that surely by the time the camera was ready, the reptile would be gone; surprisingly the lizard also stopped and seemed to be waiting patiently, even stayed still to pose for several shots.  Viewing with the naked eye it was hard to discern the color because this guy was dusty.  But the collar was distinct - my first sighting of a Collared Lizard.  The camera eye (guided by the expert ability of my friend)  was able to focus through the dusty coating to offer the details of this beautiful reptile.  The National Audibon Guide states that he would make a "hardy pet"; I considered that as the leathery creature took off (after the photo shoot) - miles of desert to prowl, insects galore to eat here in his natural habitat...I cannot believe that "pet" is the proper word choice.