He walked out right in front of me, and promptly dropped down when he saw me.

Coming from my right side here means he was in the salt marshes, not fresh water. Salt is not their favorite so I did not expect him. Also he tried to wait me out, see if I would leave first.

I didn’t, he turned and went back down the gator trail.

Below is another shot after he went back down. He didn’t go very far. After this shot I looked around the sale marsh and found another dozen big locals. I guess the rice field side, after being dry, is still a little short of easy food.

Not over large, but big enough.

Not to self…. look both ways at a (gator) crossing.