As I mentioned in
other postings, west central Florida experienced dry conditions starting in
October and continuing for a while, at least according to the ten day weather forecast.
These conditions mean wildfires. The Anclote fire in nearby Starkey Park caused
several mornings of haze and a smoky smell here at home.
At Brooker Creek
Preserve it means that several of the wetlands are now dry, or perhaps mucky,
but not wet. Salvinia, a floating fern and invasive species, covers most of the
water that remains. It also means that wildlife dependent upon water
concentrate in those areas with water, or travel from one water hole to
another.
From the bridge over
the main channel, the large alligator first seen a few weeks ago sleeps
peacefully in full view, and shows no sign of leaving. Our hike, actually a
large training hike, apparently disturbed him at some point as he slowly turned
and re-entered the water. Another hiker had seen a smaller alligator walking
along the water further up the creek, so perhaps that moved the larger one. He
swam around to make sure everyone knew his territory.
The photographs show
the alligator, but also the covering of salvania on the water and on the
alligator.
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