Texas Lizard with a Right Angle Tail
Sort of making friends with a backyard insect-eating machine.
by Bob Kerstetter
The lizard shows up several months ago. He lives on the back porch. I make sure to spill some water every day in case he needs a drink. We try to make friends.
The lizard moves faster than almost any critter in a normal suburban Texas backyard. He sits here a fractional second ago. In the time it takes to push the button he disappears.
He flattens against the wall in a location difficult to photograph. He hates social media and hopes his picture never gets posted anywhere.
We chat, then he moves to the yard edge. The lizard lacks trust toward people. You see that tail? Someone, possibly me, broke it. While he may use the hook in some innovative way, broken it remains.
Moving to the other side, we talk some more. I gradually move closer. This is physically closer, not by zooming the lens.
Not too nervous looking. Just move slowly.
Closer still…
As the camera nears, the lizard does pushups, maybe to relieve tension.
Closing in… He’s had enough.
He runs past some trash and a watering can.
Saying goodbye he zips out of the picture.
