It’s summer and the big guys lay low. As long as the water levels are deep enough they will stay cool in the water.
Around now this is the only type of photograph you can get. If lucky you might catch one walking by on a trail.
Earlier in the year they were active in the mornings. Now the temperatures don’t change much during the night. No cooler mornings here.
He may be very young, but he knows enough to keep a low profile.
Mom is likely lurking nearby, but I got too close.
I didn’t want to get close, it just happened. Other less considerate things might too if Mom doesn’t step up soon.
Not a particularly exciting photograph I know. The hot weather is keeping even these guys hidden away. Alligators may suffer heat worse than humans. Our body regulates the heat, an Alligator is ‘cold blooded’ and at the mercy of the outside temperature.
I have been in a slump with Alligator images and this one presented itself.
Anyone bring the sun tan lotion ??
Two from the ‘work’ folder.
When I move files around I stumble on images that were held aside because I had taken too many of a subject.
So here a two, just because.
Always an interesting subject to photograph. Most times they make it easy for me too.
A long lens is useful.
But not a requirement either.
Just don’t make too much noise.
I caught the very end of some motion in the corner of my eye. I knew some Herons were there but there was no way for me to get a good look. At least not without falling into the marsh trunk.
Finally I had to see so took a chance and leaned down.
Water was slowing flowing into the marsh from the nearby river. That means fish would be coming through too. And they were ready.
Above on the left a young Green Heron was watching the water. Good reason since an Alligator had the best spot already. On the top a Tricolored Heron was ready if something got past the Alligator.
I did not stay to see the action. This was mid day, sun beating down, and it could take all day.
Returning from a dike I noticed this Alligator heading from the marsh towards the reeds on the side of a dirt road. The road here has marsh on either side and in spots it’s like an Alligator highway.
There is probably more Alligator traffic than people, the road really goes nowhere except here and a ranger house.
I was out in the open so I knew he would see me. Didn’t think it matter to either of us one way or the other.
Obviously he cared. The Alligator put the brakes on and turned.
That’s all. He just wanted to watch.
In fairness it was probably the highlight of his day. Most of the time there’s not much going on.
