January 16, 2013

A is for Armadillo

SDP  1-16-13
I've decided to join the fun over at ABC Wednesday. And, conveniently, they're starting a fresh round at the beginning of the alphabet. I spotted this armadillo at sunset rooting along the side of State Road 64 a couple miles north of Sarasota. This was the first time I ever saw a live armadillo near a road.  Odd looking creatures, aren't they?  It didn't seem to mind me taking photos. In fact, it appeared ready for its close-up, rearing back and showing off those razor sharp claws made for digging. And my respect for those claws is why I kept my distance and used a long lens. Click here to see other contributions on ABC Wednesday.

17 comments:

SFlaGuy said...

Does National Geographic know your work? Those shy little guys are very hard to capture and this one is posing for you.

Kitty said...

wow, he is beautiful in his own way!

what an odd looking head tho and snout. I guess it's designed to burrow, dear thing.

Great catch!!

Anonymous said...

Nice detail you caught. They are pretty funny looking.

Roger Owen Green said...

well done; great shot.
and welcome to our little group!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Kate said...

Ah, you'll have a gppd time finding photos to match the alphabet! Fabulous "A" entry. Double welcome to this group. Kate, ABC Team

Reader Wil said...

I am glad you joined this meme! This animal is really interesting. Your photo is excellent! Thanks for sharing.
Wil, ABC Team.

Lorraine said...

He looks like he's covered in gold and ivory armor. Great detail!

Carver said...

Great shot. I've never seen an armadillo.

Leslie: said...

Hearty welcome to the group! Love this shot - it's outside looks like some kind of metal.

Leslie
abcw team

LOLfromPasa said...

That really is a super photo. I am so surprised to see this critter in your area. Learn something every day :).

Kay said...

I only thought these guys were off in the dry desert and I don't think I've ever seen one close up like this. Great shot! Those claws look nasty and that armor could pass in one of those old Roman gladiator movies. The pattern on its side is actually kind of pretty in its own little armadillo sort of way! What a fascinating little creature!

Meghan said...

When I lived in Alabama I saw these smashed on the sides of the roads, but never alive. Great shot!

Rajesh said...

I am seeing it for the first time.

Jack said...

Maybe they like golf. I saw these guys from time to time in the roads at my previous Fort Myers golf community and at my current Naples golf community. Fore!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

What a stunning coat of armor he has, but those beady eyes and sharp claws would have me at a distance too! I love the detail you captured and the colors perfect.

Bises,
Genie

Unknown said...

Had the same thought as Genie -his skin looks like an armor! Looks kinda prehistoric from close up:)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a great shot of an extraordinary creature SRQ, those sharp claws look deadly!