Chestnut Park

This photo shows the small river inside Chestnut park covered in algae.  I can always tell when other humans are present, the animals  behavior changes.  There is nothing better than visiting this sacred place during the week when very few people are present.

Chestnut Park

There is always wildlife along the shoreline at Chestnut Park, but I am always amazed how few photographers I see in the park area.  If you just want to sit at a picnic table and look on to the small rivers running throughout the park, then this is the place to come.  Come during the week, the weekends can be a little crowded.

Chestnut Park

There are many birds throughout the park, especially along the rivers edge.  There are many nature trails with "boardwalks" that lead back into the swamp area.  I would say about 20 in all, some running for two miles or more.

Chestnut Park

Another shot of a small alligator who had just crawled up on the shoreline for some sunning and an afternoon nap.

Chestnut Park

When I approach animals they normally consider me harmless, and go about their business.  This is also true with alligators, normally they just ignore me, and I can really get some great shots, but in this case some people were coming up the side of the lake, and he wanted them to know this is his territory.  Now who is going to argue with him, not me.

Chestnut Park

A shot of a young alligator, about five foot from head to tails end.  Usually the young ones are skittish and scurry off when you approach them.  This little fellow stayed his ground, but kept a close eye on us.

Chestnut Park

Some alligators, like humans, look passive, but this fellow gave me the feeling he didn't really care for my breed.

Chestnut Park