Living Above Alligators

Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, FL

I was at the alligator pond when some people pointed out these bird nests high up above the gators. I think they are egrets, anyone want to confirm that? After my trip to the zoo I was watching animal planet one day and they were talking about these birds and why they build nests near alligators. The reason for this is because other predators are less likely to go up and attempt to raid the nests when gators are nearby. The only problem with nesting around alligators is if a chick falls out of the nest...well you get the idea.