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Lizard in the garden

Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: Herpetofauna Native to the UK
Forum Name: Common Lizard
Forum Description: Forum for all issues concerning Lacerta vivipara
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5206
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 10:29am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Lizard in the garden
Posted By: Suzy
Subject: Lizard in the garden
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2018 at 11:04am
Yesterday after a dull morning the afternoon turned sunny and warm. The grandkids were here and we usually look under the refugia for slow worms, frogs, toads and whatever. As we approached one cover something quickly shot off into the long grass behind (we could see the grass moving as it progressed at speed). We both said 'LIZARD' as we'd seen something on the cover as I went to lift it. My husband got a better view and said it was definitely a lizard and looked like the ones we'd seen in the Portland quarry some years ago (i.e. he thought it looked lengthy). This of course could be a trick of the eye as we really only saw it as it moved off quickly, but it is interesting as last year in late summer/early autumn we felt we saw a lizard only about 10ft away from this spot, but never saw it again. So now I will try and be on the spot when sun emerges and it might be about. 

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Suz



Replies:
Posted By: Tom Omlette
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2018 at 8:12pm
ooh how exciting :) put out some things they can bask on, that might help. 


Posted By: Suzy
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2018 at 10:17pm
Yeah Tom but we did a stupid thing last November 5th and burnt a lot of thick tree branches that would have made a good basking pile. 

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Suz


Posted By: GemmaJF
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2018 at 12:26am
We bought in willow logs Suz that do the job. They are good because they have nice thick bark that splits away and substantial cracks eventually form in the core of the logs, both give plenty of hiding places for lizards and lizard dinners. Just need to watch out for unexpected willow trees as they can readily sprout out of fresh logs! We have one we left to grow and I harvest it now for the branches which go on top of the log piles. Might even try a bit of dead hedging with the branches this year, keep meaning to give it a go. Worth a go because as you know I only saw the one lizard by the back hedge when I moved here put in the log piles and they were quickly colonised.


Posted By: Suzy
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2018 at 9:52am
Since typing the above re branches I've acquired some Acer banches from a neighbour who had chopped down a tree. I've made a log pile which I hope to add to as branches turn up. I've got a twisted willow tree but it doesn't produce anything of lizard basking proportions. I will keep my eye open for extra branches, maybe ask a tree surgeon I know.
We now seem to be in a spell of cool/cold dim weather with barely double figures, so no basking lizards. 


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Suz



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