Sunday morning I went out at first light, thought to get into the local swamp rookery as the nesting birds started the day.
It didn’t start as planned though.
Below, what I first thought was a big pile of swamp weeds, was in the center of the trail. First light was probably getting him nice and warm. He might have spent the night right there, he was half asleep when I walked over (this is the only trail without a half mile back track).
He didn’t move. I spoke to him, nothing. Raised my voice, same nothing. Stomped my feet, got louder, nothing.
He was no longer asleep and made that clear with a few hisses.
This went on for a bit, loud threats, return hiss, the usual. Luck was on my side when another early photographer came up from behind me. He knew the drill too. We both urged him to move on.
Finally a compromise below. He stood up and walked to the water.
Now it was our turn to give a little, he stretched out at the waters edge giving us ‘the look’.
He had down his part and opened up the trail, except for a tail. So we agreed to move on past to a better place to photo the mornings birds. A fair trade.
I did get a head shot from the other side though.
I was shooting a long lens, and at the time felt it was prudent not to sit around swapping out for something shorter. But I did get these, and a story.
Note; I made this a fun story and no one, Alligator included, was going to be hurt. Almost always the gator moves on. Every once in a while they can be a little stubborn.
