Introduction
- Lake Tohopekaliga lies in Osceola County, Florida. It is just south of Orange County and its seat of Orlando.
- Local residents call the lake “Toho.” That’s good because no two people pronounce its full name the same.
- The travel gurus say to avoid Florida in July and August due to the combined high heat and humidity.
- But, if you want to see a mother alligator guarding her nest, you have to go in during those two months.
Mother Alligator Guarding Her Nest
- This mother had partially constructed the nest of debris, deposited 35 to 60 eggs in it, and topped it off with more debris. The decaying compost then provides heat for incubating, which requires 65-70 days. Now mother is guarding the nest from predatory racoons and birds.
- We were in central Florida from 17 to 24 July and enjoyed the entire vacation. But, if we would have flown all the way to Orlando from Salt Lake City, driven to Lake Toho, observed this alligator and her nest, driven back to the airport, and flown back to Salt Lake City all on the same day, the entire trip would have been worth it.
Close-up of Mother Guarding Her Nest
The constant gaze of that one eyeball was unsettling. I was honored to share this moment with this mother.
Captain Shane Dobbins
I cannot say enough about the experience that Captain Shane afforded Carol and me. We took an immediate liking to him. Shane grew up around Lake Toho, and his love for the lake along with its flora and fauna was evident. I had booked a six-person, two-hour tour, but Carol and I were the only guests. If you are ever in central Florida, please book a tour with Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides. Here is my Google review.
Carol and I
Captain Shane took this photo. The wind has swept back my hair. Carol loves fast boats, and that joyful smile shows it.
Canal Leading to East shore of Lake Toho
Although this scene looks relaxed, it was not. We were flying. I just held my camera out and hoped to get something worthwhile.
Cypress Grove with Spanish Moss
On the east shore of Lake Toho.
Lily Pads
As a resident of the arid Great Basin, I am fascinated by water and green. Notice the reflection of the clouds in the lower right corner.
Juvenile Alligator
This one-year-old is about a foot (30 centimeters) long. Captain Shane said it was unusual to see a juvenile alone. Mother alligators keep the siblings together and watch over them for a couple of years. Apparently the babies hatch at the same time and with their jaws agoing. The missing tip of the tail may have been a sibling’s first meal.
A Summer Day on Lake Toho
Notice the flock of egrets just left of center.
Another Mother Alligator Guarding Her Nest
Our presence irritated this mother, and she let us know we were not welcome. She hissed at us and lifted her tail to show her length. I was glad that Captain Shane got us out of there not only out of respect for this mother but also to allay my anxiety. Just to the right of the frame was the edge of the water. It was a tight fit as Captain Shane slowly and respectfully maneuvered the boat around her.
The Cumulus Parade
When this weather appeared, we cut the scheduled excursion short by twenty minutes.
Endnote
We did see birds here on Lake Toho and in other places. I will feature the birds in a future post.
Your blog host,
Michael DeCaria
Hosting often overlooked wonders with photography and writing