Earlier this week I took a long walk on the Osmanthus Trail at First Landing State Park. The day was eerily warm, and I was not the only one enjoying the bright sunshine. I saw dozens of Little Brown Skinks (which are also called Ground Skinks.)

All along the trail glittering flashes of brown slipped into cover as I approached. If I stopped and stood very still, they emerged again.

Sometimes they emerged in pairs and scuffles broke out. Or resumed.

I wondered if these were mating displays or true battles for territory.

The skinks were so entertaining that I kept my camera focused on the ground for much of my walk. Even so, I caught a single frame of a curious Hermit Thrush.

And I never pass up an opportunity to photograph Hooded Mergansers.

I missed photos of woodpeckers and chickadees and an unfamiliar warbler, but I don’t regret the day’s lizard fixation. I’m delighted to add Little Brown Skinks to the archive, because there is always room for life. My archive will never be full, and I will never tire of trying to fill it.