Phinizy Swamp Equalization Pond Alligator

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "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

Close up of large American Alligator. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Center for Water Sciences in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA on January 1, 2022.

In the northwestern corner of Phinizy Swamp, across the wooden bridge that crosses the oxbow lake marsh, is the "Equalization Pond". I assume it is a bit deeper water than the wetland cells, and therefore houses a variety of wildlife. There is always a fairly large gator or two out in the open and up close for some good photographs.
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A short wooden fence surrounds the pond and can obscure the banks. So you occasionally have to slow down and peer down over the fence along the water’s edge. On my last trip to Phinizy, I nearly passed by one large alligator. It was only several yards from me, but hidden by the fence and bank. Climbing up on the fence a bit, I was able to shoot down and get some great detail photographs of those water-tight crocodilian scales and armor. 

New Year's Day at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia
- Clouds and sun, with a high near 81; wind gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Sunrise 7:32 am; Sunset 5:31 pm
- Daylight Hours: 9 hours, 59 minutes (+31s)
- Moon: 1.8% Waning Crescen

Close up detail of large American Alligator osteoderms, or epidermal scutes scales. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Center for Water Sciences in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA on January 1, 2022.

Close up of large American Alligator rear leg, foot, scales and claws. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Center for Water Sciences in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA on January 1, 2022.