As I started to finish this photograph in Lightroom I realized I recognized him. Good grief !
The old large males have scars and I could just see the lower jaw, a large white scar. On his bottom jaw, where the teeth protrude.
If you were to look back, at various articles on Alligators you would find this one.
Now, if you had told me this 10 years ago…
And here’s a big one.
Tick…Tock
After a while you have to wonder, do they really see me. Like many this one is looking directly into the lens, or me.
This one was soaking up some warm sun while he could. The nights this time of year get cold, even around freezing, so sun patches get crowded.
Most of the recent articles have revolved around the ocean and shore birds. I thought it was time to throw in some marsh / swamp photographs to mix it up some.
Nothing says swamp like a ‘big old gator’.
This one had the hiding trick figured out. I looked several times to see what it was.
Considering where we were of course it was an Alligator. Still a good job.
Taken in ACE Basin, South Carolina.
That’s all I could see.
This section of swamp was heavy with a years worth of Duck Weed. An 8 foot Alligator disappears in it.
After multiple flat out full days, a return to a swamp felt very quiet.
However, there is always a few of these guys to watch.
The one was hanging a short distance from the waters edge watching us and a few near by Teals.
At first glance I knew something was wrong, just couldn’t figure out what. Finally I looked through the long lens, more curious than anything.
The Turtle was stuck!
Stuck might be the wrong description, he was being leaned on by the Alligator. Look at the Alligators front foot, and the Turtle being held down.
Above, the front of the Turtle was in the air, his legs not touching the wood.
The Alligator had hold of the Turtle, and was not letting go.
The Turtle was too big for the Gator to consider eating, but I guess he made for a good handle to get comfortable on the old ramp.
