The water was high in the ponds so alligators were crowding together on the edge of the marsh grass to take advantage of the sun.
This line of four with a younger one doing his own thing.
And this jowly pair, snout to snout.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026
Wind was whipping up the water and bird feathers at Donnelly on Monday. This Great Egret was perched on the base of the now fallen Spoonie Tree.
I moved along the dike and got a couple more views, not seeing those massive Alligators until looking through my pictures at home.
I think of Alligators as wanting to stay out of the wind especially on a day below 75 degrees F (24 C) , but there were many laying around on the pond banks soaking up the sun.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026
The adult Common Gallinule was aware of the approaching alligator and started fussing at her chicks.
Gather around!
Better yet, get behind me.
A squawk for good measure, as if that would deter an alligator!
The chicks got the message and continued away from the water.
The alligator veered off, drifting into the pond bank a bit further along. Perhaps he wasn’t hungry, or that loud bird wasn’t worth his effort.
Well, they really weren’t paying any attention to the passing Skimmer, but the Black-crowned Night-heron and Alligator add something to the images. It was shortly after sunrise and the light wasn’t yet reaching the water or the near side of the pond.
When the Skimmer lifted off the water to make a turn he was nicely lit.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Where there is one Alligator
there is often another…
It pays to look around, for safety and photography opportunities. These two are probably a few years old, with the camouflaging stripes they hatch with faded, but still visible.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 19, 2026
This scene unfolded on the back side of Lodge Pond where a pool of water formed as the pond drained.
Wading birds follow the food, and they are not bothered by the presence of Alligators.
Although maybe the Snowy Egret center front should have been.
The Alligators were actually chewing on whatever they found in the water but I have seen them snap at and catch a bird.
All good for the Snowy, this time!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
It wasn’t just the wading birds that were enjoying the low water levels in Lodge Pond. Alligators were gathering on every exposed surface, hanging out in the sun.
They took turns on the “hill”.
And found some good eats.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
A youngish Alligator, probably less than five years as he still has the lighter colored stripes that provide protective camouflage, was lounging at the side of the trail.
He was still wet from being in the pond so hadn’t been there long. IÂ passed him by and noticed the flotsam collected on his foot and leg. And those toes!
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 1, 2025
Teeth, that is…
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
May 7, 2025
A young alligator, mostly hidden in some pond-side vegetation, didn’t move much while I took a few photos.
I couldn’t see his length to estimate his age, but I’d estimate in the 1 to 2 year-old range.
Maybe even a little older as you can see his “scutes” or bony plates are well formed on his neck.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
