The adult Common Gallinule was aware of the approaching alligator and started fussing at her chicks.
Gather around!
Better yet, get behind me.
A squawk for good measure, as if that would deter an alligator!
The chicks got the message and continued away from the water.
The alligator veered off, drifting into the pond bank a bit further along. Perhaps he wasn’t hungry, or that loud bird wasn’t worth his effort.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 6, 2026
😥 Thank goodness!
Yup–even though we know that is nature and every one has to eat, we don’t want to see any of the birds get eaten 🍴.