Today's photos were taken when we visited the Everglades National Park in February 2014. The wildlife in Florida is amazing, but getting up close to the alligators was very intimidating. Fascinating but more than a bit scary to me. They were not only under the walkways but above on the pathways, often at the side of them within a few feet and even blocking you on those pathways. I am also aware that these prehistoric looking animals pop up in people’s neighborhoods, and their gardens. All that said, I was very grateful to see these interesting creatures in their natural habitat.
The next two photos were taken inside the Visitor Center.
Their website is here. Another website at this link will give you more information.
If you look carefully in the photo below, you will see an alligator resting in the water on the left, and that's a White Egret on the right.
Next is a Scarlet Dragonfly. Please let me know if you know of another ID for either this one or the wasp.
On the right is an Anhinga and on the left a Tricolored Heron. I noticed the Anhinga swims with most of its body under the water.
I overheard a Park Ranger telling a group of school children that the way you can tell a male Anhinga is by the blue around its eye. The blue becomes more pronounced nearer mating season to attract a mate.
Alligator's eye and I had a zoom lens!
Other Alligators resting near the water, and near the trail!
I think one of them had a close call.
Doesn't that indentation in his shell look suspiciously like an Alligator's tooth? Such a lucky turtle!
Thanks for looking at these old photos.
The next two photos were taken inside the Visitor Center.
If you look carefully in the photo below, you will see an alligator resting in the water on the left, and that's a White Egret on the right.
I think this is a Metricus Paper Wasp. I found similar ones at this website.
Next is a Scarlet Dragonfly. Please let me know if you know of another ID for either this one or the wasp.
On the right is an Anhinga and on the left a Tricolored Heron. I noticed the Anhinga swims with most of its body under the water.
More info on the Anhinga here.
I overheard a Park Ranger telling a group of school children that the way you can tell a male Anhinga is by the blue around its eye. The blue becomes more pronounced nearer mating season to attract a mate.
Alligator's eye and I had a zoom lens!
Other Alligators resting near the water, and near the trail!
There were also turtles.
I think one of them had a close call.
Doesn't that indentation in his shell look suspiciously like an Alligator's tooth? Such a lucky turtle!
Thanks for looking at these old photos.
Happy Friday!
My awesome favorites are the Anhinga, Tri-Colored Heron, and red dragonfly. Wow, what a toothprint on the turtle shell! How on earth did he manage to escape! You mean the alligators can just walk right over to you?? There is no protection from them?? Geez....
ReplyDeleteThree very beautiful gifts of nature Ginny and thank you :) As for the turtle, we wondered that ourselves. And yes, those alligators could come up and shake your hand if they wanted to. No, no protection, back then anyhow! I was startled to read on one of the information markers, that an alligator can be as fast as a porpoise jumping out of the water. They probably are aided by the strength of their tail but that’s just a guess.
DeleteLucky turtle indeed. Alligators would definitely worry me.
ReplyDeleteThey did us Sue, way to close!
DeleteEr I see these crocodiles!
ReplyDeleteYes we do :) and there were even more of them on our second visit a few years later.
DeleteGorgeous photos of the creatures.
ReplyDeleteDon't those alligators come towards you and want to bite?
Thanks for the links, Denise, I'm off to read them now before I prepare the dinner.
Take care.
Thank you Margaret and you are very welcome. We were happy with our photos, a good memory giver all these years later :)
DeleteI would not feel very comfortable being so close to alligators, either, though they look well fed, I suppose. That turtle was certainly fortunate.
ReplyDeleteI found the Anhinga fascinating and wondered if it was related to the cormorant - and it is.
There must be some way they, the park people, keep them well fed. I can’t imagine being this close to hungry alligators :-o Thank you for letting me know about the Anhinga. If I knew that at one time, I have long since forgotten.
DeleteAwesome photos. I love the ones of the Anhinga. That one with it's feathers all spread out is simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteThat turtle was lucky, that's quite a gash in it's shell.
Thanks Ann, it is a beautiful and unusual bird :) The turtle had a narrow escape.
DeleteI am not sure that being chomped on by an alligator classifies as being fortunate! You are correct in that the wasp is a species of Metric Paper Wasp. The dragonfly is a skimmer, probably a member of the group known as scarlet skimmers, but I am really not familiar with Everglades wildlife! Alligators are pretty easy though! I would have expected you to encounter invasive Burmese Pythons. I read recently that there are now over a hundred thousand of them. And it all started with people releasing pets that for too big. Why are pet stores even permitted to sell them? It’s a mystery to me.
ReplyDeleteNo, that would not be the lucky part, getting away from those massive jaws would be the lucky part :) Thanks for the ID David. I will change my info when I get another quiet moment these next few days. I seem to remember thinking it would be interesting to see one of those pythons. I am sure it would be easier to spot one today. I expect there are new rules and regulations in place now, but unfortunately I wonder if it is too late, will there ever be a solution problem?
DeleteThe alligators look really impressive! I love that male anhinga...so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI agree Angie :)
Deletethis park is 3 hour drive from us, and have never visited. to old to tango now and bob does like doing things like that so never went. our few vacations he wanted to be on the beach. he has not one tourist gene in his body.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting about the 3 hour drive. I guess the older we get the closer to home we stay. That's my thing right now :) Never liked the beach except for walking on it in the winter when no one else was around.
Deletei went to the Okefenokee swamp state park years ago and there were gators like these everywhere, just like you describe... that swamp is in Georgia
ReplyDeleteI've heard of it, never been though. Maybe one day :)
DeleteWonderful visit
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine, it was :)
DeleteDave and I visited Gator Park in Florida in 2013. We took each other's photo holding and kissing a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut.
ReplyDeleteI remember your photos Gigi, I can't say I would be brave enough to kiss even a baby alligator, even with its mouth taped shut :)
DeleteAlligators are always fascinating.
ReplyDeleteVery much so Red :)
DeleteI think this is an excursion I could live without! Beautful photos, though.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun trip but you definitely had to be aware of your surroundings. Thank you Jeanie :)
DeleteThat was a wonderful post on your trip to the Everglades. I have not been to that part of Florida. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
You are very welcome Cecilia, I am glad you enjoyed the virtual tour :) sending hugs!
DeleteVery cool critters that you were able to see at this National Park! I've only been to Florida once and I didn't see much. Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteVery, I have more for another time. Thank you Ellen :) and to you also.
DeleteIt's always nice to look back at a memorable trip, which this one was because of those alligators. Thanks for sharing your trip photos, Denise.
ReplyDeleteVery true, always fun :) Thank you Dorothy and you are very welcome :)
DeleteBello parque. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteGracias, también me pareció hermosa :) Te mando un beso.
DeleteAlligators are one thing I have no desire to be close to. I don't want them all to die or anything like that, but I do not want up close with them. Those are great shots of the Anhinga...his eye is gorgeous. And of course I love those turtles...I never tire of seeing them.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel 100 percent Rose :) I found them absolutely fascinating, but I didn't really like getting as close as we were. I didn't realize the pathways were that open to the water. This could all have changed of course as our last visit was in 2014. Two of my favorites you mentioned, the anhinga and the turtles. I never tire of seeing them either.
DeletePeople get shocked by our bears, but alligators!!! My!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I don't know what I would do if one of these turned up at my bird feeder :)
DeleteI've seen alligators kill wildlife in ponds here...not a pretty sight.
ReplyDeleteHello E :) and oh dear, that does sound dreadful.
Delete