Category Archives: Reptiles

Reptiles

Anoles Out, It’s Still Winter

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It is still winter here in South Carolina but we’ve had some warmer days. Warm enough that a few Anoles have been out and about, including this one that was crawling through a tuft of Spanish Moss stuck to a tree trunk.

Anole in Spanish Moss
Anole in Spanish Moss

These two were keeping a cautious distance from each other while they took advantage of the warming sun.

Two Anoles on a Dead Tree
Two Anoles on a Dead Tree

They were all sporting their brown look, rather than the bright green we see in summer. This can be from the cooler winter temperatures and to better blend in with their surroundings.

Two Anoles on a Dead Tree
Two Anoles on a Dead Tree

January 30 and February 2, 2025

Reptiles

Alligator, Reflecting

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Late yesterday afternoon a single alligator was occupying this favorite spot at the Long White Bridge pond. It was oddly warm, in the 70s (low 20s C), for the beginning of winter.

Alligator and Reflection
Alligator and Reflection

About an hour later I passed by again to find the Alligator had slid much of his body down into the water but hadn’t yet given up the spot.

Alligator and Reflection
Alligator and Reflection

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 28, 2024

Reptiles

A Black Snake

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When this object first caught my eye I thought it was a piece of trash tossed into the bushes.

Rat Snake in Bushes
Rat Snake in Bushes

On closer look, but not too close thanks to a zoom lens, it was indeed a snake.

Rat Snake in Bushes
Rat Snake in Bushes

I’ve become much more tolerant of being in the presence of a snake since we moved to South Carolina, but I’d still be happy to never see one again.

Rat Snake in Bush
Rat Snake in Bush

There are two black snakes in SC. The Racer usually races away, leaving me to think this leisurely specimen was a Rat Snake.

Rat Snake in Bush
Rat Snake in Bush

Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
October 30, 2024

Landscape, Reptiles

Spoonie Tree and Alligators

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The “Spoonie Tree” continues to decline, and in July the water was lowered in the pond exposing its roots. For several years I have thought that this will be the year that this tree finally topples, but there it stands. The first picture I can find that I took of the tree, from October 2017, the tree was far from healthy, but still living.

Spoonie Tree
Spoonie Tree and Alligators

On this hot July day the alligators were out in force, mostly just floating around mid-day when we stopped by.

Alligators in Pond
Alligators in Pond

There was a Belted Kingfisher perched atop the tree, while all the wading birds stayed to the back of the pond as seen above.

Belted Kingfisher atop Spoonie Tree
Belted Kingfisher atop Spoonie Tree

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 21, 2024

Reptiles

Alligator With Crab

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and just a little mud! This pond had recently been drained but retained enough water to be a mud bath.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Alligators don’t usually lay in such mud, preferring drier land or to be submerged. He walked / plodded deliberatly to this spot…

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

..where he found a crab and which he worked out of the mud.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Then he immediately made his way back the way he came.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

A nearby Tri-colored Heron decided to move a bit further away.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

The Alligator slid into a pool of water and stayed submerged for the several minutes I stayed there watching.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 17, 2024