I heard the crunching and knew from the Alligator’s raised head and tail position he was eating something.
Alligator with Crab Lunch
Category Archives: Reptiles
Anole On the Move
- Actually pretty slow moving, for an Anole.
They often disappear before you can even get them in the viewfinder.
This fellow was taking a more measured approach, at least for a few steps.
Green Heron, Alligator, Swamp Greens
They were close enough to be in the same frame, but I did not get both the Alligator and Green Heron in focus.
The Green Heron was going about his business, picking small snacks from between the water plants and the Alligator paid no attention.
Anole on Cattail
A fluffed out cattail flower head made a nice perch for a Green Anole at the edge of the swamp.
He took advantage of the view, checking out his surroundings.
Basking In His Reflection: Alligator
An Alligator frequently occupies this spot in one of Magnolia Plantation’s garden ponds. I had stayed out on the dike longer than I had intended on this afternoon and it was nearly sundown when I headed for my car.
I did have to stop for this nearly perfect reflection opportunity even though there wasn’t much light.
Alligator Climb
I watched this Alligator swimming deliberately towards the ramp. He circled underneath and then headed for the low end.
I’ve seen, and documented, Alligators climbing onto a ramp before so I was pretty sure what was coming next.
With a heave his head and neck were out of the water.
And in one motion he smoothly propelled onto the ramp.
He started to flail a bit and I thought he might not make it.
He persisted and one of his back legs caught the edge.
Success!
Lurking
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.
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.
