Alligator Hole, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 7"x5"

I've been going through some old photos, and found this one of a great Everglades alligator hole and so inspired today's daily painting.  During the dry season, alligators inhabit water spots left in depressions and by enhancing these holes provide water to many of the prairie inhabitants.  An older hole may be characterized by a ring of trees around it.  This one has just some small bushes, so may not be that old. 

Because so many man-made ponds have been created during construction in the Everglades, alligators now concentrate in great numbers in some places.  Here's a photo of a large alligator congregation at the Shark Valley Nature center.

 

Most likely these alligators have dispersed back to the prairies to find a mate and nest now that the rainy season has come.  However most will be back in the late fall as the dry season returns.