3119. Swamp creatures © Bruce Goodman 17 February 2025

They said the swamp was harmless. There would be a few harmless water snakes, but it was mainly the variety of water birds that Darren was there to see. There were all sorts of waders that he’d never seen in the real. Nor had he seen many species of fish-hunting birds. He was told “You will see it all”. By all means look at the water snakes, but try not to disturb them. This is a natural wildlife reserve. Humans are mere visitors. So Darren began to wander the natural track around the lake, armed with a notebook and a camera. He had gone no further than quarter of an hour when he spied a flock of the most beautiful white herons preening themselves in a tree on the edge of the lake. He manoeuvred himself nearer the water to get a better picture. It was there that he spied an alligator. He knew that the best way to avoid conflict was to stay well clear of alligators! He had no choice. He hadn’t been told there were alligators in this swamp. The fierce creature was only a few yards away. It was hissing and tail slapping and moving towards him. He knew from his reading that he had to back away slowly and not make any sudden movements or gestures. Back he went. Back further. The pursuing alligator seemed more settled. It stopped moving towards him. Darren still backed slowly. There still wasn’t distance enough. He stepped back a little further. A little further. That was when he tripped backwards over another alligator. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story