Stowaway

As we were driving down to Lake Oconee last week, I suddenly realized that a young anole was clinging to the outside of the windshield. We were using a vehicle we don’t usually use – to tow the pontoon boat. Since it sits in the same place for long periods of time, anoles will sun themselves on it and, occasionally, will take up residence in crevices. Guess this one had crawled into the grill behind the wipers. I usually have my camera at the ready when we’re traveling and this was no exception. I didn’t really expect to get any photos but…

I managed to get a silhouette of it as we drove down the road.

I was struck by its sharp claws which are quite clear in this enlargement. I’d never seen their claws up close. These explain why it can travel up vertical surfaces so easily. Very impressive.

I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to see it in the sun. But we turned a corner and there it was lit up. It looks cold but, perhaps, its also a little bewildered by hurtling down the road at 55 mph.
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