This guy has all his juvenile color and markings. I think he’s a little big for it, so it’s about to change soon to adulthood drab.

He will be dark and brown/grey by fall. And like many adults, a lot wider.

…Danced through his head.

I admit to still loving to photograph Alligators. But these came out better than most. The light was great for these, plus it’s a good  story.

First, the early light hit the water just right. It was clear enough to see his shoulders under water. Also the reflections made the ripples as he swam crystal clear.

I was standing on the bank intent on a few Great Blue Herons in a rookery. I had a lighter weight lens on so I could hold the camera up for long periods of time…just staring through the view finder.

I noticed the movement to my left and ignored it, then finally glanced over.

And so, here he is. Pretty darn close, sliding over to see what is going on. He’s not that big, maybe 5 feet at the most. Just curious. I do like a little more notice though, still the light was really good.

Click any image to view the gallery.

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

Great Light For An Alligator – click to enlarge

The last few days have been warmer so the ‘locals’ have crawled out of their ‘hidey holes’.

Yesterday we were out in both a swamp and large marsh, I don’t think we saw more than 2 or 3 the entire day.

It will get colder next month and they will go back to where ever you hide a 12 foot (60 cm) lizard.

NOTE: Look at the math above !! How many gazillion people saw this huge typo…. 366 cm, Good grief.

Thanks Liz ExploringColor.

Not a place you want to stick your toes in the water.

He was a small one, but still who expects to see this when you look down.

I was just taking a quick shot when he started to pay attention to me. Nothing much except, he did lift his head a bit…and smiled.

Showed his teeth actually. I got down very low for this to get a head on view.

Big fella too.