See Ya Later, Alligator

For Mom and Dad.

My parents live right on the water on the Eastern side of Mobile Bay. There's a creek on the neighbor's property that often changes course with shifts in weather, the seasons, and attempts to control it with retaining walls. It has recently developed a pond right near the shore, which is now occupied by at least four alligators. It appears that one is the five-foot-long mother, with the others being smaller, and thus presumably her offspring. Animal control won't come and get them until they demonstrate that are an immediate threat. This is not welcome news for the neighbors with small dogs and children.

Length of feather: 4 1/2"