An alligator's eyes glow red under a flashlight at night.  Alligators typically hunt at night in the warm months, but they are opportunistic and will take whatever comes their way. 

Ospreys were among the raptors losing populations due to the pesticide DDT in the 1960's and 1970's.  Their populations have rebounded since DDT was banned, and these magnificent birds of prey are commonly seen and heard near shallow water.

Sandhill cranes migrate from their breeding grounds in northern states, and can sometimes congregate in large groups.  Typically, though, they are seen around Banks Lake in small family groups.

The presence of cypress in a lake indicates areas of shallower water, and Banks Lake is rimmed with 1,644 acres of cypress swamp. White water lilies dot these shallow waters in the warm months, their fragrant flowers opening in the morning and closing by mid-afternoon. Beards of Spanish moss hang from the cypress, giving a primeval and oh-so-Southern feel to this swampy lake.

The center of the lake is much deeper, and 900 acres of it is open water with very few trees and several small, floating islands. It tends to be windier on the open water, but you can get good views of the A-10 Thunderbolt Warthogs firing Gatling guns at ground targets from nearby Moody Air Force Base.