Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi all,
so far, I have shared pictures of Flamingos and White Egrets raising their checks at Gaterland, Orland-FL.
Today I am going share pictures of other birds and alligators. You will notice that birds have no fear of alligators. Some pictures may not look professional as my focus is also to show environment where they live.

Thanks,

Mohammed

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

These are really excellent. Thanks so much for sharing.

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi Vicki, you are welcome. Thanks for your comments.

Mohammed

vdeforest Loc: Marlborough, nh

Consistent great photography. Well done.

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi vdeforest. I highly appreciate for your comments on my photography. Thanks a lot.

Mohammed

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

Great images, sharp and good exposure! Not your everyday pics with the alligator in the background! Thank you for posting.

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

You are welcome DigitalDon. Thanks a lot for your comments.

Mohammed

Ptw Loc: Tennessee

Another great set. I really enjoy looking at your photos. Good job :)

Violameister Loc: michigan

The birds are spectacular. But I was astounded by two of the alligators that looked like they had just eaten a hippopotamus. Obviously well fed. So, what do the 'gators here eat?

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Your pictures are ALL really great and well done, but there's something about the second photo, with the 2 GWHs is particularly fascinating to me.
Good work!

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi Paula. I appreciate your comments. Thanks for feedback and good words for my postings.

Mohammed

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi Violameister. I have no idea what they eat. May be they eat fish or injured birds or they are fed by the management of the refuge. Thanks for comments.

Mohammed

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hi Indi. I highly appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Mohammed

Gitzo Loc: Indiana

Mohammed; your pictures are wonderful! But about "what alligators eat".......the answer is.....ANYTHING! If you look very carefully at alligators that are "maintained" in zoos, animal parks, etc. and then carefully compare them with wild alligators of the same length living in their natural habitat, and having to find their own prey, you'll note that the alligators that are "fed regularly" are always much fatter, and consequently far more lethargic than their wild counterparts.

Also.....all of the wading birds, herons, egrets, ibis, storks.....are all VERY intelligent, and most are also very "quick"! They are smart enough to realize that the alligators that live in this park are fed constantly, and alligators that are "full" all the time are far less likely to waste the needed effort involved in attempting to "catch" a relatively small morsel such as an egret when they are not hungry. I have spent a lot of time photographing and observing alligators and birds in the Florida Everglades among other places; you will rarely see a heron in the Everglades standing on a wild alligator for this reason!

Also......if you ask any wildlife biologist that regularly examines the stomach contents of wild alligators that have been killed what the find in these alligators stomaches, they will tell you: fish of all sizes, lots of turtles, raccoons, possums, an occasional heron, egret, anhinga, fox, water snakes, and if the alligator killed was near human habitation, most likely a few dogs and cats! Alligators will eat almost ANYTHING, including "road-kill" that has been laying in the hot sun for days! (Alligators are far less "fussy eaters" than even vultures. )

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Great set!