An American alligator at Florida's Everglades NP. Alligators are a keystone species of that region and help shape and maintain its ecosystem. They construct small ponds for their nest. These serve as water reservoirs during the dry season and provide habitat to several other species. Alligators also keep other species in check, including introduced ones such as nutria and the Burmese python.
An elephant seal pup snarls as it rests at Point Reyes National Seashore. I was visiting the area with family and came across a small group of the seals by the trail. It gave me some opportunities to photograph them at close range. The pup's relaxed demeanor suggested this was indulging in posturing and playful mock aggression.
Male Green Iguana in Breeding Colors
A magnificent green iguana in its breeding colors rests on the bank of the New River in central Belize. These grow to over five feet which posed a problem for me to frame it standing on a rocky boat.
An American alligator surfaces at Florida's Everglades NP. Alligators are uniquely adapted to the swamp environment. They can remain underwater for long periods of time lasting up to an two hours. They breath in oxygen at the surface and use it during their dives. Their metabolism becomes slower underwater to allow them to retain the oxygen over that period.
Curious Black Howler Youngster
A curious black howler monkey youngster examines my camera at the Baboon sanctuary in central Belize. The monkeys at the sanctuary are somewhat acclimatized to human presence and can be viewed close by. Photographing them, though is more difficult, given their high level of activity and the low light in the forest.