Lounge lizards at Hauxley

Thursday 9th August 2012

© Kevin O'Hara

It’s not just the Germans who know the best places to sunbathe in the hot weather - lizards on a nature reserve in Northumberland have sussed out the best place to bask in the current sunshine.

Dozens of common lizards have been heading to the windowsill of Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Wader Viewing Hide on its Hauxley nature reserve to soak up some rays every day for the past week.

Common lizards are not normally seen in the bird hides around Druridge Bay, but can be spotted in the dunes where they like to remain hidden; however, the hide’s massive glass window has effectively turned it into a huge greenhouse - too hot for humans to endure for more than a few minutes but perfect for the cold blooded reptiles.

Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Estates Officer for said: “Forget basking sharks, we have basking lizards! It’s really funny watching them jostling for position on the windowsill; those that don’t get a spot have to make do with the walls, where it’s just as hot. If this continues, they’ll be turning up earlier in the morning to put their towels down, to secure their place.”

He continued: “Anybody wanting to have a look needs to open the door to the hide very carefully, as they are very quick - one sudden noise and you won’t see them for dust.”

Common lizards are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; it is an offence to kill, harm or injure them, sell or trade them in any way.