Alligator in Duckweed Green Cay Wetlands VIDEO
This short wildlife video captures an alligator in duckweed moving silently through the still waters of Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, Florida. Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is a public nature preserve with boardwalks over restored wetland habitat, making close observation of wildlife behavior possible without disturbing the environment. At first glance, the scene feels almost unreal, a thick layer of bright green duckweed covers the water’s surface, leaving only the alligator’s eyes and armored back visible as it glides forward with quiet precision.
American Alligators
American alligators are apex predators in Florida’s freshwater ecosystems and are often considered a keystone species because their activities can help shape wetland habitats. Their presence contributes to ecological balance, from influencing prey populations to creating deeper wetland areas that hold water and provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Watching an alligator in duckweed reveals how well‑adapted they are to this environment, minimal splashing, slow, deliberate movement, and effective camouflage against the green surface.
Duckweed itself plays an important ecological role in many wetlands. These tiny floating plants thrive in nutrient‑rich, still or slow‑moving water and can quickly blanket wide areas of the surface. For photographers and filmmakers, this creates a unique visual effect: simplified backgrounds, bold color contrast, and a graphic, almost minimalist composition. As the alligator moves, the duckweed parts gently, tracing its path and adding a subtle sense of motion to an otherwise calm scene.
Green Cay Wetlands
Green Cay Wetlands is known as one of Palm Beach County’s signature spots for birding and wildlife observation, with a raised boardwalk that winds through marshes, open water, and cypress stands. Originally developed as part of a water reclamation and conservation project, it has become a thriving habitat supporting wading birds, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, and a wide range of wetland plants, including duckweed and other aquatic vegetation. For wildlife storytellers, it offers repeatable opportunities to witness natural behavior, such as an alligator in duckweed, at relatively close range and in safe, controlled conditions.
Video Details:
Location: Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center, Boynton Beach, Florida
Species: American Alligator
Behavior: Slow swimming and surface cruising through duckweed‑covered water
Habitat: Freshwater constructed wetland with dense floating and emergent vegetation
About Ronen Tivony:
Ronen Tivony is an award‑winning wildlife photojournalist and workshop leader, dedicated to telling the stories of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them. After decades as a news photojournalist, he shifted his primary focus to wildlife photojournalism and teaching, combining visual storytelling with natural history insight. Ronen is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, with work published in leading outlets including National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and more. Through workshops, tours, and portfolio critiques, he helps photographers move beyond simple snapshots to craft stronger, more intentional wildlife images.
Looking to take your wildlife photography to the next level?
Join Wildlife with Ronen Photo Tours & Workshops and experience Florida’s best wildlife locations, including Green Cay, Wakodahatchee wetlands, and the Everglades. Whether you’re into bird photography, wildlife portraits, or learning field techniques, these tours are designed to help you capture unforgettable images.