Stress resulting from an investigator handling or observing subjects can affect the results of field studies. However, effects of such stressors are rarely investigated. In a series of field experiments in southern Florida we examined whether display behavior of territorial male lizards (Anolis sagrei) was affected by length of time between handling and observation, length of time that an observer was present and length of time that subjects were held in bags prior to release in the field. Proportion of headbob displays that were bobbing displays did not differ between periods 1–2 h after release and one day later, nor did it differ between periods 0–1 h and 1–2 h after the first appearance of an observer. Similarly, this proportion did not differ between animals previously held in bags for one night and those held for two nights. Our results contrast with other studies that have shown strong effects of several social factors on the proportion of bobbing displays. Thus, the factors we studied appear unimportant in affecting the display behavior of A. sagrei.