This Anole was taking his time, flashing his dewlap to anyone that was looking, and checking out the view from the top of our backyard arbor. The vines are a combo of moonflower and morning glory.
August 8, 2026
Carolina Anole, Arbor Explorer
Tag Archives: Reptile
Turtles in a Row
I had assumed these were all Yellow-bellied Sliders but maybe the two on the left in this first image are not–there wasn’t a bit of yellow to be seen.
Research tells me there is some variation, and also some interbreeding with other species.
This was a cooler day, I had gloves on, and I was surprised to see them out at all.
The Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
Yellow-bellied Sliders, All In A Row
I took one more step to get a better angle of these four Yellow-bellied Sliders and in a blink of the eye they slid below the duckweed covered surface.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2025
Pile O’Reptiles: Turtle and Alligators
I thought the Alligator on the left might join the pile while I watched, but he seemed content to float. The Yellow-bellied Slider and Alligators piled up were content with their spots, too.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 25, 2025
Yellow-bellied Slider, Sliding In
Or
Going…
…going…
…gone.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
Yellow-bellied Sliders, January
I was a bit surprised to see these Yellow-bellied Sliders out of the water. It was warm compared to the near freezing temps we had been having, but they were not in the sun.
Another pair was on a nearby clump of…something. I didn’t see the one in the water until looking at the images on the computer.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
Pile O’Reptiles: Turtles and Alligators
This spot is a favorite for alligators and turtles, and at certain times of the year the light is perfect for reflections. I see parts of four Alligators and two Turtles, one facing the camera and one away, tucked under the left most Alligator.
I was focusing on the draped Alligator arm and didn’t see the turtle peeking up over the top until I was processing my photos.
The last photo was taken about 90 minutes later, the sun had just gone down so not much light. There hadn’t been much movement in the pile.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 12, 2022
Alligators Everywhere
The Alligators took advantage of the exposed mud as water drained out of the the big rice field pond.
And they found their way into a number of my wading bird images.
A wider view of the interior of the pond–all of those reeds are due to be burned off as soon as wind conditions are right.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Juvenile Alligator With a Prize
I’m not sure if this juvenile Alligator knew there was a treasure ahead, or if he had just wandered out of the pond.
But, once he got closer there was no doubt.
Even after studying these images I have no idea what the “treasure” is.
The alligator gave it a shake…
and beat feet!
August 26, 2022
Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner, SC
Juvenile Carolina Anoles
We’ve had several Carolina Anoles hatch in our back yard over the last few weeks.
This one spent hours inspecting this dried hibiscus blossom.
Another one chose a more secretive location, but also didn’t go far over several hours.
August 19 & 20, 2022