It is common for female Alligators to have multiple age youngsters in her care, which may include some hatched from other nests as well as her own. These two from a pod that included three ages/sizes are a good example.

I stayed focused on the moving Alligator, wondering if there was going to be some action.

There was not; the moving Alligator just plopped down. In addition to seeing the size difference in their heads, you can see the smaller Alligator’s tail just under the larger one’s chin.

Interesting post, Ellen and nice shots. I guess the adults get much larger as they age, given the size of some you and Ted have featured.
Thanks, Belinda! They grow pretty fast the first few years, 12 inches or more longer a year, then it slows down. Those colored stripes,you see on these younger one,s which act as camouflage, will change to all dark as they mature.
Cool!! 🐊