Picking up on yesterday's yarn...
This big gator had been splayed out sunbathing along the Myakka River. It wasn't moving. At all. Then, it lifted its sizeable head, and stretched its maw into what appeared to be a permanent menacing yawn. If that's not an imposing look in the animal kingdom, I don't know what is. So, imagine my surprise, when this scrawny little cattle egret wandered into the scene looking as though it intended to strut right by the gator. Apparently, it finally clued in to what was going on and did an abrupt about-face. If this were a cartoon the little bird would have been sputtering -- in a silly, fast voice -- 'Yah know, I really didn't want to go over there anyway. How's the sunbathing? Don't forget to apply lotion! You don't want your skin to get all scaly...er...uh....I'll just see how the fishing is over this way. (cartoon sound of bird feet slapping the ground as it scampers away)
In other news...while I was watching this scene play out, I met a guy from up north who, as it turns out, is a very talented photographer. He was on the boardwalk sans camera, just checking out the environs. He had been in the Everglades and shot some amazing bird-gator photos there. You can check out his photos here. He goes by Cool Kayaker 1 and he's also in the blogosphere.
13 comments:
Oh double shudder! :-)
Yep, get me outta here!
ok, NOW I see him! lol!
Living in harmony requires a good eye and quick thinking. Glad there wasn't any violence!!
Now, that's a good reason not to live in Florida. I just heard of a nursing home alzheimer patient found partially eaten by a gator. No, thanks! I'll stay in New England and chill :)
I think I'll watch the gators in pictures, from a distance.
fyi- THAT was my last scout mtg. Boo Hoo!
That was really funny commentary! I could 'hear' it all!
He almost had dinner. Cool Kayaker has some great shots, on a par with yours.
I'm meeting today with someone about the rental ordinance. I think the whole thing started when the code inspector would visit rental homes that had no heat. The owners of the homes were not required to provide a heater of any type. Its just blown up from that.
Fantastic shot! The gator almost looks like he is laughing at the bird. I'm glad the little fellow wised up before it was too late!
Nice action shot. But are you sure that's a cattle egret? The beak looks too long. I'm thinking snowy egret or maybe great egret. Just my non-expert opinion. :)
I'm so glad I don't have to worry about gators around here - the rattlesnakes are enough! Good shot!
Glad the bird didn't get eaten!!!!
I was at the Corkscrew sanctuary in Naples about a month ago and got numerous good pictures of gators. They spend a lot of time quietly waiting, and the birds seem to get lured into complacency.
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