treadwl Loc: South Florida

During my last post to this forum Scarlet mentioned that she wondered what would happen if a gator paid more attention to the birds. I remembered your comment while at the marsh and so looked for an opportunity to fulfill your request. At nearly the end of my visit I found this rather large gator thrashing his way around a rookery (where thankfully he got nothing) As I watched he began a slow stalk of a GBH. The heron walked over to a tree and proceeded to attempt to hide himself behind the trunk and froze to a motionless position. (photo 1) Slowly the gator swam by. When he deemed it safe the GBH seemed to tip-toe behind the gator to made good his escape. (photo 2) The gator seemed to be fixed on a little tricolor heron that he then slowly floated toward. He actually got quite close (photo 3) before simply giving up and drifting away. The little tricolor never seemed to actually notice anything.

While these photo as not up to my stand (I would probably trash them except for your request), I thought I'd share.

Hope you enjoy the series.

Larry

Great Blue Heron "hides" behind tree as hungary gator passes by


Whenthe gator is safely past, the GBh tip-toes carefully behind the gator to make good his escape


Meanwhile, Mr. Gator silently approaches a tricolor heron. The gator eventually floated by the tri and the tri just kept on walking without ever seeming to notice the gator

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Very cool shots Larry. They do seem to know if they are in trouble or safe. Did you ever see one become lunch Larry?
Erv

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Great series. I was at Myakka State Park in Sarasota, FL, and I saw an alligator catch a small bird. We were shooting a white egret, completely ignored the alligator, as they lay around all over the park. We heard a noise and saw the alligator eating the bird, I snapped some quick shots, not the best, but you can see the gator moving and fish jumping out of the water to get out of the way. Very cool. Gary

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Erv--over the years I have seen gators with birds, but I have yet to capture the moment in a photo I'll show. Gators down here seem to prefer the softshelled turtle to birds---too many feathers and bones, not much meat.

Larry

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Thanks for commenting. Got to get to Sarasota (west coast) to shoot sometime. It is exciting to watch but too often all I see is the aftermath. Maybe next time.

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Thanks for sharing that, Larry!

treadwl Loc: South Florida

My pleasure. Thanks for looking.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

If you get to Sarasota, PM me ahead of time and perhaps we can meet to shoot. Where are you in South Florida? As I stated, my shots are not of professional quality, I was not prepared to shoot the action. I can post here if you would like to see them, please let me know.

Gary

treadwl Loc: South Florida

If I get the chance to go to Sarasota, I'll be happy to drop you a line. I am located in the Fort Lauderdale area on the east coast. Professional quality is not a criteria for posting photos on the Hog. No reason why you can't post what you have. We all learn that way. By the way, where did you get that eagle shot on your avatar???

Larry

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Larry, The Eagle was at Myakka as well. We were driving down to the bird walk and my wife spotted the eagle. I jumped out and got this before he flew, with a tilapia in his talons. I will post the alligator shots in a separate posting. Thanks, Gary

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Great shots. I don't think think the birds think the gators are much of a threat.