4 of 5: We made it to the observation tower after a jog/walk/hike on the La Chua Trail in Paynes Prairie. Lots of birds and gators. We saw wood storks, ibis, sandhill cranes, coots, blue herons and, of course, the American alligator.

Algae-laden waters produce greener alligators; alligators from waters with a lot of tannic acid from overhanging trees are often darker Also, in alligators only the upper teeth can be seen with the jaws closed, in contrast to true crocodiles, in which upper and lower teeth can be seen.