“Sam lay rolled in blankets beside Frodo. ‘I had a funny dream an hour or two before we stopped, Mr. Frodo,’ he said. ‘Or maybe it wasn’t a dream… I saw a log with eyes!’ ‘The log’s all right,’ said Frodo. ‘There are many in the River. But leave out the eyes!'” – Lord of the Rings, book 2, chapter 9
Like floating driftwood with eyes, the alligator is exceptionally camouflaged as it lies submerged in the dark swamp waters. Often lying as still as a stone for hours with only its eyes and nostrils above the surface, unwitting prey may often come within chomping distance unaware of their danger. A sudden sideways slash of the head and a large fish is trapped in those unrelenting jaws. A forward thrust of the tail and a duck or otter may disappear down that previously unseen gullet. A strong thrust may even propel the alligator several feet out of the water to nab the unsuspecting heron from its perch.
Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I'm currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters. My website www.williamwisephoto.com displays "Creation Speaks", a teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation, "Nature Notes", a wildlife and birding photo blog documenting the beauty and design of God’s creation, and "Waltonpets Furtography Blog", my animal shelter dog rescue photography blog. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104, The Message.
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One thought on “Okefenokee Alligator – a log with eyes”
Great photo, William! Have a wonderful day! Cheryl
Great photo, William! Have a wonderful day! Cheryl
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