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Russell, the hatchling - Eastern Bearded Dragon
Pogona barbata
-27.4492, 153.101
Field Notes
Description:
I was delighted to spot this little guy - a newly-hatched bearded dragon, probably only a day or two old. Only tiny, I would estimate its length to be 10 cms at most (as long as the concrete edging shown in the last photo is wide). Before scurrying into the bushes, he was feeding quite happily on small ants. It was quite funny to watch the head bob from side-to-side and up-and-down as the ants passed, standing tall on the front legs, little back rigid and tail arched upwards. Now I know where he lives, it will be a joy to watch him grow. At maturity, adult males can grow to about 60 cm (24 in) from the snout to the tip of the tail, while females may reach 50 cm (20 in) in overall length. The only thing that will stop him are the predators in this area - birds, particularly the noisy miners, and reptiles like larger bearded dragons, water dragons, and brown snakes. PS: I have named this little guy "Russell".
Habitat:
Spotted amongst native trees, shrubs, and grasses, in the gardens of the Metroplex on Gateway estate. There's lots of dense foliage and leaf litter, so there are plenty of hiding places.
Notes:
Spotted at this same location: Juvenile - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/22061180 and the same individual almost 3 years later, now an adult - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/643236004
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