Phil Lanoue Photography
I previously worked as a news and sports photographer. Recently I have been enjoying wildlife photography. My approach toward bird photos is similar to sports photography. I attempt to capture mostly action and hopefully a unique perspective.
Sunset Baby
Last night we went over to the marsh pond to check out the sunset and to potentially make a time lapse video. Right after I set up the for the video I saw this baby alligator (we call any alligator under 5 feet a “baby”) right in the middle of the reflected golden sunlight. You can see how it made a little path through the pond weeds and vegetation as it traveled. As we were enjoying the sunset we could also see and hear the occasional alligator make a splash as it jumped at fish in the pond. It was a very pleasant time watching many of the birds heading back for their night roost, and seeing the night herons and hearing them bark at each other as they headed off in the opposite direction to begin their evening.
Time To Go!
I was watching this tricolored heron fishing in the marsh yesterday morning when it suddenly decided it was immediately time to leave. I don’t know what the big rush was…but he jumped right out at me as he quickly departed the area!
Morning Hunt
This morning I was surprised to see an alligator over in a section of the salt marsh where I don’t normally see them. This one was apparently on the hunt for something a little different because I saw him come up with some odd looking crab that had translucent legs. Maybe the alligator was in the mood for something exotic and figured if it hunted in a new location it would possibly find some new food…and this one sure did!
Evening Meal
Earlier this week I was watching this cormorant fishing in the salt marsh. At one point he snagged himself a nice fish and after a brief struggle he gulped down his dinner. Once he was done fishing, the cormorant hopped out of the water in front of me to start drying off his wings.
Jackpot!
Yesterday evening just as the sun was setting, I was watching this tricolored heron fishing in the salt marsh among the oyster beds. He was having excellent success, catching the typical small minnows that they like so much, one here and one there as he waded along at low tide. But the little tri really hit the jackpot on one of his last attempts…he came up with three fish on one strike at the water! I have seen them catch two at once but never three. He looked quite satisfied and happy with himself as help gulped down the trifecta!
Splashing Around
Yesterday evening we were watching this alligator sloshing around in the salt marsh in search of dinner. The alligators don’t live in the salt marsh, they prefer fresher water, but they will visit at times when they get a craving for something a little different then what they might normally find in the pond area.
This alligator was gliding along slowly when he must have spotted something, possibly a crab, and he suddenly lunged up from the marsh straining water and plunging over to his right with a huge splash. I never did see what he got or even if he got anything, but that is also part of their feeding process. Making a big splash like that can often get fish or crabs all stirred up and in a panic which can make them easier to catch.
It’s Mother’s Day Here In The U.S.
Since it is Mother’s Day here in the U.S. I thought it might be pleasant and appropriate to post a fine array of bright red tulips in celebration of all the moms out there on their special day.
However…just so you folks don’t think I have gone all soft by posting a flower photo, I will also present a sentimental and more traditional photo typical of Phil Lanoue Photography. So here’s a touching image of Mrs. Alligator with her baby relaxing on momma’s back! What could be more heartwarming? 
“This Looks Like A Good Spot To Dry Off”
Thursday afternoon I noticed this unlikely pair both taking advantage of the sun and the breeze. The anhinga needed to dry his wings, and the alligator just needed a nap. The alligator never paid any attention to the bird but the anhinga did keep his eyes open and stayed alert, you know, just in case…
