A LOG-IN-A-BOG BLOG

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Location: Everglades
Photos: © 2007 Jeffrey Berger

Like icebergs, there is more to a submerged gator than meets the eye. So how big is this one, you ask? Introducing Swampcracker’s First Law of Gator Measurement:

Since every inch of jaw is equivalent to a foot of gator, estimate the distance from the tip of the snout to the eye sockets in inches and translate into in feet. For this gator, ten inches from eyes to snout means a total estimated length of ten feet.

Despite having a fierce reputation, alligators are harmless to humans until they reach 8 feet.  However, you should NEVER FEED a gator. Once accustomed to handouts from humans, they become a nuisance and must be sacrificed.  Remember: "A fed gator is a dead gator.”

PURPLE GALLINULE

Scientific Name: Porphyrula martinica
Location: Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Photo: © 2007 Jeffrey Berger

About the size of a chicken dipped in poster colors, the Purple Gallinule is not easy to find. In fact, those colors are a sublime example of camouflage.

The cool blues and purples of the undercarriage mimic the colors of sky reflected in water. Viewed from above, iridescent greens and olives mask the colors of marsh vegetation.

Oversized feet give it the agility to walk over and through marsh vegetation with ease. Nature’s attention to detail is incredible!

LEAST BITTERN

JUVENILE:


ADULT:

Scientific Name: Ixobrychus exilis
Location: Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Photo: © 2007 Jeffrey Berger

PREDATOR AND PREY

Predator – American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Prey – Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Location: Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Photo: © 2007 Jeffrey Berger

Not my favorite photo, but rarely seen moments like this justify this post. About this moment: One young gator about 3 feet long snatches one plump moorhen, known locally as a 'pond chicken.'

Fun question of the week: Of all persons in the news lately, who would you like to be the gator, and who should have the role of pond chicken? Leave your comment below.

GREAT EGRET

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Location: St. Johns County FL
Photo: © 2008 Jeffrey Berger

The Great Egret is a common bird in Florida and, not without coincidence, one of the most often photographed birds in this blog. For your convenience, here are some links to other photos: Notable, Adorable, Unforgettable, and always Egretable.