Alligators, just doing their thing.
They clearly know when to give way, and when they can pass on by.
Rice Field, Santee Coastal Reserve, SC
August 26, 2021
Alligators Passing
Category Archives: Reptiles
Alligator Morning
Alligators were on the move early on this morning despite the morning heat. This water is a canal around an old rice field that sits at the edge of the South Santee River.
I intended to walk the dike but it wasn’t mowed so that was a non-starter with the tall grass harboring a gazillion mosquitoes and likely a few more Alligators. I plan to go back later in the fall or winter for another look.
Rice Field, Santee Coastal Reserve, SC
August 26, 2021
Carolina Anole, After A Rain
Carolina Anoles readily change from bright green to various shades of brown, supposedly going brown in moist or cool conditions. This one stood out in brown as he perched on a fading Elephant Ear leaf after a rain.
Juvenile Alligator Passing By Another
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.
Sunning Juvenile Alligators
Most of the water was let out of this pond earlier this summer leaving a narrow depression of water and a nice edge for young Alligators to enjoy the morning sun.
A few more were milling around in the water.
And a few more were in the reeds on a little raised island. I didn’t see the mother but know she wasn’t far off.
Based on the location and territorial habits of Alligators these are likely some of the youngsters I photographed last fall, seen here stacked up around their mother.
Tiny Green Anole Hunting
While I have seen Anoles eat insects bigger than their heads, a lot of what they consume is invisible to the human eye. Chewing is what gives it away.
Good for them eating no-see-ums on my patio!
They’ve got to do a lot of foraging to survive.
Tiny Green Anole
While the Tiny Tree Frog was sitting on a Curcumin leaf this also very small Carolina Anole was on patrol.
He was more adventurous than the frog, and was actively seeking food.
He covered a lot of territory, up and down and spent some time just hanging out.
Ribbon Snake, Back Yard
When Ted called out “get your camera, there’s a snake on the patio” I grabbed my gear that had the Tamron 180mm lens attached and went as far as the screened in porch. I’m sure I’ve mentioned I’m not really a snake fan. But it was back yard nature so I wanted to see.
By this time the snake had left the patio and zipped up a Crepe Myrtle. I waited for Ted to spot it and we were pretty sure it was a harmless Ribbon Snake, then I ventured out the porch door.
He was wrapped back on himself, lifted his head for a look around then stayed still for several minutes.
With the fixed 180mm lens I couldn’t get far enough back with a clear view to take him all in (ugg). A little breeze was moving a branch from a neighboring tree in and out of the frame.
A tighter crop after he had moved his head just a tad:
Standing on the porch with the door open I got a little different view, but still didn’t get his full tail.
About 20 minutes later we watched him slowly exit the tree and head back into the woods. Where I would like him to stay!
Carolina Anole
Another capture from the backyard with the 180mm prime lens, a Carolina Anole perched on a weather worn thermometer.
Juvenile Anole And a New Lens
With my interest in dragonflies and following Mike Powell’s blog (MichaelQPowell.com/) Ted was sure I needed the Tamron 180mm macro lens.
Who was I to argue? He found a used one for sale and it arrived today.
One of my first subjects was a very young Anole on our patio.
This is my first non-image stabilized lens and it will require some practice.
