A few random shots of locals taken the other day in a rice field.
The day started slow, but it wasn’t long before heads began to appear.
Even on a flat dull day these animals make interesting photographs.
Floaters (Alligators)
Tag Archives: Alligator
Another Local, Alligator
I was really happy to see this big guy drift over. The morning was dark, damp, chilly, and really empty. I think I had walked the length of a dike and not seen a single thing close enough for a shot.
That doesn’t happen very often but when it does I immediately look for a local. Being chilly now they are going to be scarce too.
I was surprised to see this one due to the cold. Alligators will not eat if it’s cold out. Being cold blooded they don’t need food at these temperatures. Also they can’t digest anything if they did which is dangerous for them. So there was no need for him to be swimming around at all.
Later it warmed up and his relatives came out too. However, at the time I thought I might be going home empty handed.
Common Gallinule In The Reeds
A Common Gallinule, or chicken of the swamp, lives a dangerous life. They walk along and through the reeds and tall grass, exactly where Alligators thrive. And yet you see them everywhere out here.
This is a November day, and below is Gallinule chick. I guess this is why they survive so well. I don’t know of any other birds still having young.
Fall Marsh Scene
I think I was standing here, looking around with ‘OK, what now’ thoughts. The Alligator swam out from under the trees I was in. So, I guess the question was answered.
No drama here, a ‘snap shot’ with the ever present Alligator.
Warming Up, Alligator
Spotted this big guy sunning in an open spot. There was just enough room between the reeds to stretch out.
I’ve been photographing them almost seven years now and I never grow tired of getting a shot.
Everything Covered In Green
And it was everything !
The only thing not covered was a small sliver of moving water.
Morning Marsh Scenes 11/2022
The morning I shot these photographs all my previously made plans failed, spectacularly. In short, up at 5, out the door quickly, sun in, fog out, even roads were closed.
Not having my wing woman I… ‘winged’ it.
Things worked out since I had a second camera, some short lens, along.
- Roseate Spoonbill slipped in low and dropped down into the reeds on the next dike.
- Great Egrets became ‘bookends’ at the edge of a marsh.
- And, always around to bail me out. Passing Alligator.
Another Watcher, Alligator
Typical gator. He climbed half way up the bank, the other half still in the water…and stopped.
The spot worked for him so no need to continue.
I’m positive the art of people watching was first created by an Alligator.