Sony DSC-H3, 63 mm, ISO-125, f/4.4, 1/800 sec.
Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum). Growing up we used to call these horny toads. It is also the TCU mascot known as the “Horned Frogs.” It is neither a toad or a frog (both amphibians) but is a lizard (reptile). As I got older, they were more difficult to find in the wild, and I was very happy to be able to get a shot of this guy. My wife and I were returning home from a hike at Palo Duro Canyon cruising along top-down at 70 mph and somehow I saw this guy crossing the road. I did a quick U-turn to get back to see if I could get some pictures. To my surprise, he seemed to enjoy the photoshoot as he stayed there for quite a while posing on the side of the highway before scampering off into the underbrush. We got some strange looks and laughter from people as they passed by.