Female Texas spiny lizard digs nest

While wandering around the backyard, I spotted this female Texas spiny lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus) digging a hole for a clutch of eggs. I've seen young spiny lizards in the yard, but have never seen a nest before.

Spiny lizard basks

Lacking a rocky outcrop at the Gardens at Gus Garcia community garden, a Texas spiny lizard finds a place to bask as the sun sets. The community garden is a National Wildlife Federation wildlife habitat. Birds, insects, lizards, and rabbits forage and raise their young in and around the garden.

Male Texas spiny lizard

Here's a male Texas spiny lizard that lives in the backyard.

Spiny lizard hides in plain sight

A Texas spiny lizard blends almost seamlessly into the a rose bush.

Texas spiny lizard

Found this beauty while moving a wood pile. Texas spiny lizards eat insects and are almost impossible to catch when it's warm.