19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Gator Eyes

Living in Florida you see alligators almost 100% of the time you're near some body of water. Sometimes the prehistoric creatures are swimming, sunning themselves on land, attracting a mate, or simply resting in the water, with just their eyes visible above the water. Such was the case for this individual I came across while hiking. I love how still and peaceful the individual clearly is, given that there is not a single ripple in the water around it. I also love how the water lines from the wind move down the shot, changing in color ever so slightly.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Copyright: © Mitch Walters