Just browsing and happened across this thread, so thought I might add a few comments.
The yellow mouth lining of Eastern Bearded Dragons is in stark contrast to the black colour to be found at the back of the oral cavity around the throat. I reckon it is to make them look like they can swallow objects a lot larger than they can - might make a would be aggressor think twice that way.
I agree that the pics are excellent – spot on focus, great composition and subject. The animal in question has only just shed (not quite finished actually) and so the full details of the markings can be seen. The light colouration would indicate that it has reached its preferred body temperature. When basking to try and heat up, they work their pigment cells so that they go quite dark on the dorsal surface, because dark colours absorb more radiant energy than light ones (all else being equal). They will also change their colour to match the background for camouflage purposes. So on a dark grey tree or log they will likely be dark, whereas on light sand… you get the picture.
As a generalisation, Eastern Bearded Dragons are not as inclined to allow themselves to be handled as are Central or Western Beardeds, which will climb up an arm and happily perch on a shoulder as you walk around (in time and with some training). The lizard in the pics, which looks to be female, is unusual to the degree she has become accustomed and tolerates human presence.
Thanks for posting and sharing. It is truly one of life’s joys to be able to observe wild wildlife (lol) close up!
Blue
I was quite happy to see this guy, I've never had the chance to take photos of a wild beardie before
