Mama gator currently returns to this spot every morning, when the sun is high enough to be shining over the trees. Last time, only a few of the babies (yearlings, actually) were spotted, but this time I counted about 7 taking their time sunbathing. I have not seen more than this so far, and when only a couple are on mama's back I've usually been able to see some more little ones swimming around the area. I've been using a 400mm lens for this, shooting from the roof of my building. It's about 100 yards away and heavily cropped, so I would like to be able to get closer. That's probably not possible here unless I find them cruising around the lake in a different area.
An alert reader reminded me of paddling in the Hillsborough River and many small (and also large) gators visible there. I went back to my files and found some fun and interesting shots that will be coming up next, but alas, I didn't capture photos of any as small as those in the above photo. I also haven't yet worked up the gumption to take my good camera on the water.
On the Hillsborough, it's really hard to not see a gator. They are everywhere. On this particular day, I would say I saw more than 100.
Most logs will have sleeping alligators on them. To my knowledge, there has never been an "incident" with a gator while paddling the Hillsborough. Learning that reminded me of Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods", about hiking the Appalachian Trail. He had been told that no hiker on the trail had ever been attacked by a bear. His response was, "That could all change tomorrow; it's not like the bears signed a treaty".
In the same vein, I haven't seen any alligator treaties. But, I never felt threatened while paddling there.
On this day, there were a lot of juveniles - 2-3 ft long and still showing the yellow stripes that ultimately disappear with age.
Juveniles of this size always tend to look like they're smiling!
There are also some very large specimens on this river, and during mating season the males make sounds as loud as a lawnmower.
If this looks like your cup of tea, there are several spots to put into the river, and kayak rentals are also available (as well as a shuttle bus to return you back to your car even if you bring your own yak.)
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