A Carolina Anole sunning on a palm frond is another sure sign of spring.
Greens, Lines and an Anole
Category Archives: Reptiles
Alligator, Turtle and a Bit of Pink
The pink flowers reflecting in the water were a nice complement to the reptiles, just lazing around in the afternoon.
Alligator, Undecided
Should I go for a swim or lay in the sun?
Alligator and Turtles, Hanging Out
It was late afternoon with not much light, but who could resist these fellows all lined up, and their reflections?
Alligator, Water, In and Out, Land
Alligators get around
Aren’t too particular about where they stop
Dry land is sometimes the best spot
Alligator and Grebes
I spotted these two on a collision course. The Alligator wasn’t making a wake but he was moving.
The Grebe’s buddy popped up and between them they had more curiosity than the Alligator.
A few minutes later I saw another Alligator drifting along. It was a warm day, in the 60s (15 to 18 C), with more Alligator activity for December than you might expect.
Tide Rising Around Alligator
I spotted an Alligator floating/laying in some tall grass at the edge of a tidal inlet.
I passed by about an hour later and the Alligator had not moved as the incoming tide rose around him.
Alligator Nursery
These images were taken in the same tidal inlet as my post All Stacked Up, Alligator Mother and Young.
It is probably the same family as mother Alligators are very territorial.
The tide was in and the juvenile Alligators were having some swim practice.
I didn’t see mamma, but you can be sure she wasn’t far off as the youngsters explored.
This last fellow was working on his “just floating” pose.
Spoonie Tree with Roseate Spoonbills, and More
This tree is affectionately known as the “Spoonbill Tree” by the many photographers that frequent this location.
Some days when I stop by there is lots of activity and this day in September was one of them.
A close look at the exposed roots and the leafless branches tell a story of a tree that is closer to the end of its life than the beginning.
I will not be surprised at any time to discover it has fallen over. In the mean time it is well used as a bird perch.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Green Pond, SC
September 20, 2020
All Stacked Up, Alligator Mother and Young
A mother Alligator will stay around her young for two to three years; the juveniles are on their own to eat but she will ward off predators. They often can be seen piled on each other, probably to control temperature and some sense of protection when they are very young.
They all appeared to be ignoring us but you can see the “king of the hill” opened his eyes between my first and second shots.
You can easily pick out five juveniles above, there were three or four down by momma’s tail, and I’m sure more we couldn’t see in the grass.
Just based on my observations I’d say these are around six months old.