The bright blue color of a juvenile skink’s tail is so startling and whimsical that I never fail to smile whenever I see one. When I first spotted this Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), it was basking in the sun on top of a concrete fishing platform at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. As I approach, it scurried under the platform and I stopped and waited. Eventually the skink poked its head out and cautiously crawled forward and I was able to capture this image.
Generally I prefer a more natural backdrop for my shots of insects and amphibians, but in this case I really like the varied colors and textures of the man-made materials. I also like the angular lines that contrast nicely with the curves of the skink’s body. Finally the neutral colors of the image help to draw the viewer’s eyes to the beautiful blue tail.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Great photo, Mike. Thanks for waiting.
Thanks, Dan. I don’t claim to have great skills as a photographer, but I am unusually patient and persistent. Often that helps me more in getting some fun shots than super skills or great gear.
It’s how you end up at the right place at the right time.
The right place and the right time sure helps, but I still have to get the shot, which often requires a quick reaction. I think that practice really makes a difference in being able to bring the camera up to the eye quickly and acquire the target.
You do it all pretty well, Mike. I have lots of pictures of where the bird used to be 🙂
So do I. 🙂
What a beauty. I, too, stop and smile when a skink comes along. Good that you were able to capture him, Mike, for they scurry away so quickly. Terrific photo and great salute to the shimmering beauty.
Thanks, Jet. Once again I see that you and I are attracted to the same subjects and have the same instinctive reaction.
Those colours are amazing.
Thanks, Laura. As an artist, I know you are very sensitive to color (or colour). You might enjoy a blog that I have recently started following by a young lady from New Zealand that’s called “Exploring Colour.” Here’s a recent post that she did that I especially enjoyed. https://exploringcolour.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/i-see-black-and-yellow/
Thanks for the blog recommendation. I will certainly check it out.
Absolutely awesome Mike! Just showed my other half and we both thought it stunning! Never seen anything like it. You’re right, it does stand out beautifully against the man-made materials. Perfect! I always really enjoy your writing as well as your photos. Like a bonus!
Thanks, Liz. I started this blog at the insistence of a friend to showcase my photography. Over time, though, I’ve found that I enjoy writing as a creative outlet as much as taking the shots themselves. Depending on my mood, I may describe something about the subject, or about my camera settings, or why I like a particular image, or what I was attempting to do. Thanks so much for the feedback.