Alligator Pod is a painting by AnnaJo Vahle which was uploaded on September 24th, 2014.
Alligator Pod
While walking through Stick Marsh in Central Florida, I heard a lot of chirping. I thought that they might be the sounds of birds. However, when I... more
by AnnaJo Vahle
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Dimensions
36.000 x 24.000 x 1.500 inches
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Title
Alligator Pod
Artist
AnnaJo Vahle
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
While walking through Stick Marsh in Central Florida, I heard a lot of chirping. I thought that they might be the sounds of birds. However, when I tracked through the grass, I found this sight. Instead of being a bunch of birds, it was a bunch of little alligators with their mother.
I sat down on the water's edge very quietly. She didn't move a muscle. I watched for several minutes as I saw many little gators scurry through the grasses and into the water. The water was covered with duck weed and grasses. Often, I could only see the little ones because of their little chirps and their movement. Their camouflage was impressive. I am not sure how many I saw, but it must have been at least 30 or 40. I painted 10 of them in this scene. I suggested others among the vegetation.
When I finally stood up from my place of observation, she lunged through the air at me. She made a huge splash and frightened me. I quickly backed off. She didn't pursue me, thankfully. She simply resumed her spot and guarded her young.
Despite being big, cold-blooded, voracious hunters, mama alligators are actually very loving parents. From the time she lays her eggs until the babies are able to hunt on their own, the mother alligator fiercely protects her children. Alligators start their lives as eggs on a swampy shore and can live for several decades.
Mother alligators usually lay about 20 to 50 eggs in a nest made of mud, sticks, fronds and other plant matter. The nests are usually located along the banks of ponds and marshes. They are about 3 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The mother alligator vehemently guards the nest and keeps it covered with vegetation to incubate the eggs. Just before the alligators are ready to hatch, they begin peeping and squeaking. This alerts the mother that she should remove the vegetation in preparation for hatching.
The mother alligator stays with her young for at least the first year of their lives, protecting them with her ferocity. A group of juvenile alligators with a mother is called a pod.
Stick Marsh is near Sebastian in Florida along the Atlantic Coast.
Uploaded
September 24th, 2014
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Viewed 1,692 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/28/2024 at 6:29 PM
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Comments (44)
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent alligator pond painting, AnnaJo! Fantastic details, style and composition! L/F/Vote
Sarah Irland
You have painted such a unique experience so beautifully! After reading your description, I am truly in awe of your work. Amazing!
Constance Lowery
I just got stuck here again looking at this beautiful painting. I wish I could go to a place like this, you were so lucky to get this opportunity. L/F
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Thank you, Constance. I was lucky. It is an experience that I will never forget.
Gabriella Weninger - David
This is just STUNNING... WOW... Sooo fantastic painting... great work AnnaJo!
Steven Poulton
Alligator looks very cold to me, someone take it a blanket, I've got a medical condition so I'm not allowed to :-). Striking and very interesting :-) Lf
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
LOL...I guess that I did intensify the bluish color just a tad, didn't I? Thanks for your generous encouragement, Steven.
Debbie Portwood
Wow! This is amazing as well! Gorgeous work on the water and aquatic plants and of course the mom and all her brood! :D Beautiful scene and just one more masterpiece!! :D f/l/t!!
ANA MARIA EDULESCU
Wow ! This painting is simply fabulous, AnnaJo. You so marvelously painted the alligator mother and the babies. And all those fine details on the grass .... oh, and the reflections are superb ..... Stunning work ! f,l
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Thank you very much, Ana. Such praise from a fine artist such as yourself is especially sweet.
Madalena Lobao-Tello
CONGRATULATIONS!! Featured on Iberoamerican Colors. Great work, love how you have done this!!!
Bonnie Mason
Wow! Amazing that you can show the beauty of this world through such a creepy creature- great painting, AnnaJo! LF
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Thank you very much, Bonnie. I very much appreciate your comment and LF. There is beauty in almost everything, I think.