Bearded Dragon

Walking up the steep steps 

behind the township

of Noosa Heads this morning

I was bemoaning the fact 

that I never see 

critters on this walk

while they must be there in the trees, 

old logs and deep leafy carpet

on the forest floor

I found a bright little flower on the path

and the curious green flowers

of the macaranga tree

with the large parasol leaves

I began to make my way down hill

through a residential zone

and spotted a movement on a front lawn

he stopped very still

and as I cautiously approached

he scampered into the leafy camouflage

and I walked closer still

he's a Bearded dragon

with rows of spiny scales on his throat

which he can puff and expand if threatened

and also spines on the back of his head

He has a hand waving gesture

to indicate submission to other dragons

and a head bobbing action to show dominance

He's also able to change colour 

like a chameleon

The bearded dragon enjoys basking in the sun

in dry arid zones of Australia

but when the temperatures rise to 38'-50'C

he buries himself underground

He's an omnivore and also diurnal.

The Dragon can grow 45-60 cm

half of which is tail

and despite his angry appearance 

he makes a gentle pet...