Everybody had a spot, at least for a minute. The younger Alligators shift around more than the big adults, maybe because they are used to getting pushed off the platform by their elders. Or a big turtle.
At the other end of the pond I found another pair posing, being watched by a third in the water.
This is the first group seen from the side, with a yet another Alligator climbing on the ramp for a spot in the sun. The duck weed was clinging to them all.
Mother Wood Duck and seven ducklings climbed onto the Alligator ramp for some grooming and rest.
Drowsy, without a care in the world, after a bit everyone settled down and Mom stood watch. I thought these ducks were taking a risk: they don’t call it an Alligator platform for nothing!
Dad patrolled the waters.
Look carefully to the left of the Drake and you will see an Alligator body part is sticking out of the water just a smidge. I didn’t see this until I was developing these photos.
I did suspect that something was about to happen because the Drake let out a squawk, reversed course and paddled away.
Mama also sensed something was wrong.
I missed them exit from the platform but those ducklings were just about running on the water to get out of there.
When I glanced back the platform had a new occupant.
The ducklings and mom disappeared towards the other side of the pond, with a tale of survival, this time.
I’ll admit that this fellow startled me a little when I heard the splash.
Well, maybe more than a little when he stuck his head up and I heard chewing noises.
I never saw what he caught, if anything. He may just have been chewing on the greenery.
There was no sun were this young Alligator waited at the side of a pond so he readily slid into the water when some humans came his way.
Zip, down the bank he went…
plowing over the top of whatever was in front of him. I wonder how their eyes work?
Alligators don’t give a moment’s thought to what might be below the duck weed, they just go.
On Sunday I posted photos of turtles posing on an Alligator ramp and logs to sun themselves out of the water. Yesterday in the same spot an Alligator was using a turtle as a head rest and more turtles were clambering to join the group.
Further along in a different pond a similar activity was taking place with a much larger Alligator, only this time the turtles were on top.
Do they have no suspicion that they might be lunch?
We returned by this spot about an hour and a half later to find the Alligator had changed position but at least one free-loader was still in place.
The nature guide at Magnolia Garden identifies these turtles as Yellow-bellied Sliders.
Click on photo for larger view.
