A spot we pass through often, and where we look for any warning signs. And the other morning it was real clear.
Below you can see the dike trail we are walking, and the dark torn up ground going straight across. A closer exam also shows it’s wet !
This is an Alligator trail used to move between two marshes. That much water means there has been some heavy traffic, recently.
Ellen had moved off to another spot so I moved slow to see into the big marsh on my right. Slow because it was obvious the gators where there, also they were coming from two directions.
As soon as I leaned out for a look a decent sized critter splashed on my left. He had been sitting in the reeds right here.
He was not ‘pleased’ something had invaded his space. In the shots above, and below, you can see him slow down and ‘profile’.
Profiling is when an Alligator arch’s their back. By arching they throw their head back, tail up, and usually growl. No growl this morning, just a display of territorial rights. He swam slowly off flipping his tail. I guess he felt he had made his point.
Very cool 😁.
I did a double-take looking at his crossing on your trail – it looked exactly like the crossings I see on our gravel walks at Brazos Bend State Park, and the critters are exactly as annoyed when startled from their hiding places. I’ve often thought I should consider wearing “bear bells” when photographing there, to give them fair warning and avoid surprises… for either of us! Loved your foggy shots.
Thanks. The Alligators most always know when you’re coming. It’s great fun when they don’t, a huge belly flop into the water. LOL If both of us didn’t know that belly flop splash you really get your attention.
I love your photography Ted and I am always taken aback by these creatures. To me, they are so alien, so otherworldly almost from another time period. Amazing.
Thank you very much 😊. The first alligators date back to the Mesozoic era 245 million years ago. I would agree they are from another time period LOL
A good thing you know these critters 😯
I guess I’ve gone over the deep edge 😂😂