Springtime in the Okefenokee Swamp

American Alligator basking by a Cypress stump in the Okefenokee Swamp. Billys Lake in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Stephen C Foster State Park. March 9, 2020. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Please don’t steal my photos. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com.

Wow, that water’s cold!” I exclaimed as I put my hand over the side of our canoe and dipped my fingers into the dark, tannin-stained waters of the Okefenokee Swamp. But the sun overhead was pleasantly warm. It was late in the afternoon, and as we circled Billy’s Lake, all the big gators were out in the sun.

Even as we pulled our canoe in close, they were reluctant to dive back into the cold water. That is why I love to come in March. Climbing temperatures on top of still cool waters means the alligators pull their full glory on every sunning spot for great photography!

Taylor Schoettle in A Naturalist’s Guide to the Okefenokee Swamp, writes, “Springs are delightfully long and may extend from middle February through May with temperatures in the 60s and low 80s with steady daily breezes.” Springtime is the perfect time to Okefeonkee!

iNaturalist observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40543221

Close up of an American Alligator basking by a Cypress stump in the Okefenokee Swamp. Teeth and scales. Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Stephen C Foster State Park. March 2020. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Please don’t steal my photos. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com.

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