Alligators generally appear to be lurking everywhere I see them, it’s just their style. I liked the way the Spanish Moss was hanging down into the pond where this one was doing his thing.
Of course it’s better to see them lurking than not.
Lurking
Category Archives: Reptiles
Swimming In The Green
The tide was high and the pond was full which means the water near the trunk that connects the pond to the Ashley River was nearly still. This Alligator left the coveted spot near that movement for an exploratory swim.
He was moving pretty fast at first, with the Duckweed piling up in front of him, like he had a destination in mind.
I’ve wondered what Alligators see as they swim, their line of sight easily obstructed by objects that don’t look like much when seen from above.
Alligator Landscape
This was not a great photography morning. I saw a lot of birds, but too far for good shots. The air was hazy and sunlight harsh. The Alligators doing their thing in this pond caught my eye. Fish were jumping and several Alligators floated in between. The grasses along the bank are starting to look like fall.
Musgrove Mill Battle Site
This pretty spot on the Enoree River in Clinton, SC, was the impetus of the August 19, 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Musgrove’s Mill. Possession of this easy to ford section of the river in the rural, agricultural area was the impetus behind the skirmish.
A modern bridge less than 1000 feet (300 Meters) downstream made this site obsolete for river passage a long time ago.
The day I visited a few turtles playing “king of the hill” was the extent of the activity.
Carolina Anole Waiting
I was hoping to see this Carolina Anole catch a bug, but nothing came his way while I was watching.
I was able to get images from a couple of angles and he just hung there, even his tail stayed still.
Lastly, a broader view of where the anole was perched, about 5 feet ( 1 1/2 Meters) off the ground. He was still there when I moved on down the trail.
Click on any image for a larger view.
Alligator Under Bridge
This is one of the short white bridges at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, as opposed to the “Long White Bridge” where tourists and brides pose for photographs. Around the corner on the same pond and much less visited. Except by the wildlife.
Alligator on a Mission
While I was watching the Bard Owl of yesterday’s post an Alligator thrashed around at the edge of the pond then swam very deliberately out to the middle of the pond.
He negotiated around a few Cypress knees, made a U-turn and stopped directly underneath the owl, that was on a branch about 20 feet (6 meters) above the water.
If he was hoping the Barred Owl would swoop down he was disappointed. The Owl was very aware of the Alligator’s presence. After ten or fifteen minutes the Alligator swam back where he came from, climbed out of the water and disappeared.
Carolina Anole in Fanciful Jungle
Twisted twigs from an old vine and a small drape of Spanish Moss made a fanciful scene for a passing Carolina Anole. He showed off his red dewlap as he marched up the branch.
Harmless Snake
I know, it is still a snake. I’ve never been a fan, but am becoming more accustomed to them. I spotted this one at Beidler Forest working his way along a rotting log.
I don’t study the educational signs with the ID info about snakes, but do know that the round eyes and round head are signs this one is harmless.
The snake slowly checked out the crevices in the log and showed no interest in me watching him
Plus, I was on a boardwalk at least ten feet away.
Anole, Shedding His Skin
This is probably a Carolina Anole, due to the bright green color. They have the ability to change to a duller green or brown, depending on the temperature and their environment.
This one is shedding his skin, which is brought on by growth: like other reptiles their skin doesn’t grow with them.
Anoles become less active when going through the shedding process and this one picked a dangerous spot at the edge of the swamp to just hang out. He would easily be seen by a passing bird who could snatch him up for lunch. I left before that happened.
