11 December 2010

Agama lizard on the coast of Ghana


On the coast of Ghana, males fought, presumably over females and territory. Fortunately, they were agama lizards.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of these fights was the way the combatants would change colour. In particular, as battle approached, the head took on this striking orange-red colour.

The other fights I saw (three in the three-and-a-half weeks I was there) appeared to be over traffic incidents. Fortunately, I wasn't involved.



[13 April 2007, Canon 20D, 300 mm f4 L IS, ISO 200, 1/500 at f4]



All content © 2010 Pete McGregor

6 comments:

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Pete,
I wouldn't want to meet a guy in a bar with that look on his face! He means business, the eyes tell it all, as does the grim set of his mouth.
Cheers,
Robb

Zhoen said...

Not to mention he can see behind him. Love the subtle gradations of color.

Me from Cali said...

Fabulous, terrific photo! What a capture.

pohanginapete said...

Robb, they're only small, but I bet they're a handful. If I met someone like that in a bar, I'd back away slowly, avoiding eye contact ;^)

Ha! Good point, Zhoen. I have to say, though, although this guy looks grim, I loved these little lizards.

Thanks Paul! I find lizards difficult to photograph, because it's so hard to find a good composition. A long, thin subject seems particularly difficult to fit satisfactorily into a rectangular frame.

leonie.wise said...

I wouldn't like to get in a brawl with him either. He is a fine looking fellow though.

P.S. Please email me your postal address? I have a book to post to you that I think you might like.

Not sure if we will get up your way yet, but will let you know if we do!

:)

pohanginapete said...

Thanks Leonie! I'll drop you an email shortly :^)