OPENING SHOT A closer look Photo: by Ron Hayes Gear: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Settings: 1/1000 sec, f/8 A s a kid one of my favorite pastimes was searching for microfauna on the hills and valleys of the ranch. Horned lizards were among my favorites because of their dragon-like appearance. It wasn't until fourth grade that I learned they were our state reptile, which solidified their place in my reptilian hierarchy. This particular encounter was on a cool morning near Douglas which found this lizard sunning itself in order to warm its cold blood to prepare for the day's ant hunt. I took multiple shots with a macro lens as it tolerated my temporary intrusion. This image was focusstacked to preserve the details of his shedding, crown-like spines. 6 | July 2023