At first, when I lifted a concrete paver to be moved the other day, I thought I had uncovered a small snake, coiled underneath. However, it was shinier and fatter than a similarly-sized snake, and when it uncoiled it had four feet - and - a bright, iridescent blue tail. When working in the yard, I do not carry electronics with me; thus, I was unable to snap photos. These (below) will have to do. The photos are from Animal Spot.
Although it was my first such sighting, there was no doubt in my mind that the critter was a blue-tailed skink. I failed to note how many stripes it had, before it scurried off. It was gorgeous! (I did not grab it by the tail because I didn't want it to lose such a beautiful appendage.)
CORRECTION
Despite my certitude, a closer reading of the literature tells me that what I saw was NOT a blue-tailed skink but the much larger five-lined skink. I would guess that it was in the 8-inch-long range. Other than size, the photos of the two skinks look the same to me. So much for my being "doubt-less"!
I don't think I have ever seen one in person - beautiful colors! Glad you let it go peacefully on its way without messing with it just to get a picture. Way too many people interfere because they just have to get a selfie and they don't realize what harm they can do to the wildlife itself, or what harm said wildlife can do to them.
Posted by: bogie | April 15, 2018 at 04:33 AM
People have various reactions to wildlife. Our neighbors (across the street and next door - plus others, I'm sure) keep their yard floodlights on all night to "keep the armadillos away". They don't seem to care what it does to the rest of the wildlife (and us other neighbors!) As you well know, we try to encourage the wildlife. You, on the other hand, know so much more about animals than do I that it's always good to get your take.
Posted by: Cop Car | April 15, 2018 at 11:10 AM
I had never heard of a skink until last year. We are widening a bridge up in the mountains and they were running around the creek bank. Although ours are smaller than yours.
Posted by: Ingineer66 | April 20, 2018 at 12:40 PM
Ingineer--Ooooh, how great! You must see a lot of cool events/things while on the job.
Posted by: Cop Car | April 21, 2018 at 08:51 AM
I have seen a lot of interesting things in my work travels. From tanker trucks sliding sideways to cool historic structures to interesting wild life.
Posted by: Ingineer66 | April 22, 2018 at 12:09 PM