This Alligator was in the usual pose. Actually looking even more lazy than most. He didn’t even try to climb up on the boards.

In a split second we both missed our opportunity. Me, to get an Alligator going full speed. Him, the Anhinga I was focusing on.

And I think he blamed it on me. I was getting the evil eye. He moved from a dead sleep, to almost on me (and my Anhinga) in seconds. I never had a chance to change focus or step around the tree for a better shot. The Anhinga got away with most of it’s tail feathers.

The Alligator slipped over to a cypress tree to hide and wait for the Anhinga to surface. He knew the bird was under the water near by.

I’m not sure how long he lurked around that tree. But it is a favorite spot of the Anhinga’s so he knew one would be back sooner or later.
Alligators look kind of lumbering, wise not to underestimate them I guess.
They are faster than a human. Can swim up 35 mph. All for a short distance, but who cares!