About mid morning, I headed to the garden to get a few chores completed before I cranked the lawnmower again. The sun had warmed the chill from the air so a few critters were out and about. On the fence rail, there was a show of territorial rights happening! Two male green anoles were trying to intimidate each other with the flaring of necks and the showing of the bright red dewlaps. Other than the "I'm bigger than you" performance, there was not much battling. Both lizards soon tired of the display and went along their respected ways. One opted to venture into the flowers while the other climbed onto a tomato plant. Neither of these fellows seemed to be in prime condition. Both were shedding and both had visual marks of being under stress.
Personally, I am glad the lizards were there. Recently, tiny holes have been appearing in the plant leaves indicating that I have some varmints to eradicate. My method of "safe" spraying works somewhat but is never as effective as the lizards and birds. While I was pulling a few weeds from under the tomatoes, the one lizard was happily snapping up some tiny caterpillars. This is natural pest control at its best! Since the lizards seemed to have settled their differences, all is good in the garden realm!
Today saw me in a full on chase with a lizard. Those little guys are fast so trying to catch one can be quite the adventure. Somehow, a small green lizard had found its way into the house and was climbing up the curtain in the living room. While I have no problem with one being inside, it is not in their best interest to be here. Lizards need water and there is not much to be found in my living room. So, for his own sake, he had to be relocated. That relocation meant catching the critter first. With most, I can just walk up to them and grab them. It is sort of a snatch and go thing...usually. This lizard was having no part of my attempts to help him.
First, the tiny critter scampered further up the curtain. FINE! I will show you, you little rascal! I shook the curtain and sure enough he came toppling down. Not good. I was temporarily blinded by staring at the off white curtains that were illuminated by the bright sunshine. I could not find the lizard on the dark floor. BUT! He found me! The critter ran up my pants leg and made a flying leap for the window. Thinking I had him, I made a quick grab and wound up with nothing but air. Geez! This little fellow was good! Ok, so now he disappeared behind the curtain. At least, he was sort of trapped between the curtain and window...or I thought. As I gently pulled the curtain aside, he made a dash to the floor once again. Come on, squirt! I just want to help you!
I finally was able to capture the tiny lizard as he climbed up the door. With my hand cupped over him, I made the gentle move to grasp him for removal. THAT RASCAL BIT ME!! Yep. I guess the poor baby was terrified and did the only thing he knew as defense. Well, now! I had a lizard biting down on the back of my hand and he had no idea of letting go. Well, now, that is gratitude for you! At least it did not hurt.
I took advantage of the lizard's fear and managed to open the door with my free hand. With the lizard still attached to my left hand, I eased my way outside to release him on one of the philodendrons. That was easier said than done. The little guy was not ready to release his bite. He held onto my hand as if it was for dear life. Ok, squirt. You can let go any time now. After about a minute, the tiny lizard decided that it was safe. He let go of my hand and made a dash for the ruby lilies. There he hid under some leaves until I left. He had conquered the huge monster that tried to capture him! I guess he has a gigantic tale to tell his friends now but at least I will not be finding a dehydrated lizard in my living room now.
