Common Lizard

At last my first reptile at Bourne Valley.

Actually this was the second of two common lizards today. Both sunbathing on the path, I didn't notice them until they scurried away into the undergrowth. This female thought it was safe sitting very still, just long enough for me to grab this picture for ID purposes.

Common Lizards hibernate between October and March and range from northern Asia across central and northern Europe and are the only reptiles found in Ireland.

The common lizard gives birth to live young in these northern climates and is a good swimmer.