Frilled-neck Lizards

I have had two recent encounters, my first for a few years. Maybe I am not in the area at the right time to see more. These are in between what I would call the Top End and Central Australia, so the Victoria River Region and around Katherine/Mataranka.

The first was standing on the main highway, warming itself. I saw where it ran to off the road as I approached and somehow managed to find it in amongst the rocks and leaf litter as its camouflage was excellent. I doubt I could have found it without seeing it run to around that spot.

The second was just on the very edge of the road, and I saw it run towards a tree. I wasn't going too fast so it was fairly easy to stop and keep an eye on the right tree. Again, without having seen where it went I would never have located it where it had moved to. Their hiding ability is excellent. Anyway, the tree was quite close to the road. This time I stayed inside the car. It jumped off and ran to another tree a bit further away, after peering at me from a few positions on the other side of the original tree. Watching them run always makes me laugh. Then the jump off this tree to another one. In all I was watching it for about 10 minutes. Fascinating creatures. Hope you enjoy the photos:

Frilled-neck Lizard

Black Honeyeater, wildflowers and dragons

Went for a little drive around Alice springs and finally started seeing some wildflowers. I have been expecting them most of the year due to the rains, and although they aren't the variety of colour that can be seen in Central Australia, it was still nice to see some.

It was also a warmish afternoon so the Bearded Dragons were out as well.

The most exciting sighting though was a pair of Black Honeyeaters. The female was far more seclusive, only popping up to the branch nearby for a second and then she was off. The male however, was very friendly, piping his heart out and posing for the camera.

Black Honeyeater

Wildflowers

Bearded Dragon