A Slight Disagreement | Phil Lanoue Photography

A Slight Disagreement

Yesterday afternoon these two great egrets had a bit of a disagreement over who owns the hot fishing spot in the salt marsh.

The argument quickly escalated into an airborne display of egret supremacy. Although the initial winner seemed to be the one who grabbed the other egret in a firm beak lock, they both stayed in the general area and continued on with their day of fishing. But this is typical of the egrets and herons, they frequently mix a little fighting in with their fishing…it’s all part of a day in the marsh.

101 thoughts on “A Slight Disagreement”

giusymar on January 30, 2013 at 6:33 pm said:

they are quite like 2 fighting angels!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:22 pm said:
  
  They do look like that! 🙂 Thank you!
  
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RobynG on January 30, 2013 at 6:37 pm said:

What a capture that first image is! Wow!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:23 pm said:
  
  So glad you like that! Thanks
  
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pixelspielerei on January 30, 2013 at 6:38 pm said:

Why don’t they sit down? 😉 Great Pictures!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:23 pm said:
  
  They can not rest, they always keep going. 🙂 Thank you!
  
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einfachtilda on January 30, 2013 at 6:38 pm said:

Was für wundervolle Fotos…whowwhhh!!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:50 pm said:
  
  Ich bin so froh, dass du wie auf den Fotos! 🙂
  
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Sue on January 30, 2013 at 6:49 pm said:

What an amazing scene you have captured!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks for looking and commenting!
  
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under the skies of arkansas on January 30, 2013 at 7:02 pm said:

a stunning and amazing capture of a bird battle in flight. sometimes you simply out do yourself

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:24 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate you checking these out, thanks!
  
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Marta N. Hicks on January 30, 2013 at 7:04 pm said:

You absolutely amaze me! Every day is yet another great capture, or two or three or four! Thanks so much for sharing these images. I look forward to your posts every single day.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:24 pm said:
  
  I appreciate your very kind words Marta!
  
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sallywoodphotography on January 30, 2013 at 7:07 pm said:

What great symmetry in those first two shots………. and what a story………line!!! Nice job!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:25 pm said:
  
  Thank you Sally, I’m happy you enjoyed the pics and story!
  
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jimbey on January 30, 2013 at 7:22 pm said:

…. So I was talking about you with one of your fellow bloggers the other day. Best we can figure, you have a house there at the marsh, with a web cam running 24/7. The only other way you can get shots like this is to sell your soul to the devil — but I don’t remember purchasing your soul recently. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:31 pm said:
  
  Heh heh, no house at the marsh although there are those that suspect I have a tent pitched somewhere in the woods around there. No truth at all to that rumor either. 🙂
  Hopefully the old soul remains intact and as always I appreciate your interest and support! Thanks!
  
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PhotosAbitibi on January 30, 2013 at 7:33 pm said:

Completely, Totally Amazing Phil

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:31 pm said:
  
  Thanks, I appreciate it!
  
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petspeopleandlife on January 30, 2013 at 7:51 pm said:

These are unbeatable photos of the great egrets. Spot on captures to highlight each change in behaviors.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:32 pm said:
  
  Thank you for your kind words I truly appreciate it!
  
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transplantedtatar on January 30, 2013 at 9:05 pm said:

Wow! National Geographic material.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks much glad you like them!
  
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Bella Remy Photography on January 30, 2013 at 9:15 pm said:

This is absolutely amazing series Phil. The first photo is mirror perfect, and watching the fight unfold mid-air is spectacular. I’m guessing you jumped up and down with excitement after taking these as this is a really awesome moment!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the kind words Emily and I’m very happy you enjoyed these egret photos! I was pretty excited to get these pics, I got lucky about where it took place. Not too close so that they are jumping out of the frame and not too far so they are too small.
  
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adinparadise on January 30, 2013 at 10:24 pm said:

What spectacular photos, Phil. You really caught them so beautifully. You must be absolutely thrilled with this series. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million Sylvia! I’m glad you like these egret pics and yes I am quite thrilled I managed to witness and capture the battle of the marsh. 🙂
  
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lylekrahn on January 30, 2013 at 10:35 pm said:

Nothing like a little fight at the salt marsh to get the photographers excited. Pretty much like a hockey game. Great timing on your part to catch the wonderful action.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:36 pm said:
  
  I have photographed ice hockey and yeah it pretty much looks like this. 😉 😀
  Thanks for checking these out and glad you like them!
  
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Utasflow on January 30, 2013 at 11:30 pm said:

Amazing. They donn´t hurt each other. Closing the other´s bill is protection of being bitten.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:37 pm said:
  
  It’s funny how they can fight like that and then 30 seconds later they go right back to fishing like it never happened.
  
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davidharris518gmh1213 on January 30, 2013 at 11:36 pm said:

Truly awesome shots Phil. Looks like you had a great ring side seat for all the inside tussling in the clinches. I’m jealous…I don’t get to see much of that kind of action.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks Dave! This was like a combination boxing match and ice hockey game. Fun to see and fun to photograph!
  
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Rexlin Victor on January 31, 2013 at 12:05 am said:

Amazing!!! Excellent shots!!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:39 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much, glad you like these pics!
  
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Chillbrook on January 31, 2013 at 12:10 am said:

Incredible series Phil. They really do go at it don’t they? Love that first shot!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:40 pm said:
  
  They sure do go at it, then as quickly as it started it breaks up and they go right back to fishing. Well, until the next argument breaks out. 🙂 Thanks much!
  
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edithlevyphotography on January 31, 2013 at 12:27 am said:

Wow fabulously captured. The first 2 images look like they’re about to dance.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:41 pm said:
  
  Oh they were doing their own particular style of dancing alright. They can be entertaining. Thanks for looking.
  
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Jane Lurie on January 31, 2013 at 1:06 am said:

Woah! Great action shots, Phil! Beautiful captures.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:41 pm said:
  
  Thanks a bunch Jane, glad you like the egrets!
  
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Fergiemoto on January 31, 2013 at 1:07 am said:

Wow, and double wow! I’m amazed by the clarity of your action shots.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:42 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate your kind comments, thanks!
  
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Clanmother on January 31, 2013 at 1:37 am said:

They look like they are dancing together!!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:42 pm said:
  
  They start dancing, then it gets juuuuust a bit out of hand!
  
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  - Clanmother on January 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:
    
    They remind me of humans…. 🙂
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:51 pm said:
      
      Yes exactly!
      
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meintagesablauf on January 31, 2013 at 1:45 am said:

These are such wonderful photos.
Gabi

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:43 pm said:
  
  I appreciate you looking and commenting!
  
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crazytraintotinkytown on January 31, 2013 at 2:40 am said:

It looks like the nutcracker ballet with attitude

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:44 pm said:
  
  Oh there is plenty of attitude out there. And it really gets out of hand when their pal the great blue heron gets involved. 😯
  
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mike585 on January 31, 2013 at 4:56 am said:

Wonderful captures, Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:44 pm said:
  
  Thanks Mike I appreciate it.
  
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janmasyn on January 31, 2013 at 5:38 am said:

Amazing and wonderful photo’s Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:44 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Jan I’m happy you like them!
  
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circuitousjourney on January 31, 2013 at 6:08 am said:

Great! Pas de deux.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:
  
  Thanks much I appreciate you looking!
  
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monisertel on January 31, 2013 at 6:48 am said:

Hi Phil,
this is an absolutely stunning series, fantastic work!!!
Wish you a nice day,
moni

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:
  
  Thank you moni I appreciate your kind words!
  
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LyndaMichele on January 31, 2013 at 7:54 am said:

A great series! I love these! The first shot is so perfect 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much for looking and commenting!
  
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joserasan66 on January 31, 2013 at 10:19 am said:

Preciosa Secuencia De Baile, Muy Buenas Fotografías…. Un Saludo…

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:48 pm said:
  
  Muchas gracias Estoy feliz que te gusta las fotos
  
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meyer23 on January 31, 2013 at 10:53 am said:

Wow! That’s real hot stuff. Many thanks for these wonderful pics.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:46 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate your kind comments! Thanks
  
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Connie Starner on January 31, 2013 at 10:57 am said:

Totally amazing pics Phil!! We can’t thank you enough on your sharing your passion with us!! Hope you and Alyce are doing well. We need to catch up real soon!!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:46 pm said:
  
  Thank you much Connie, I really appreciate you checking these out and commenting!
  
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dinajohnston on January 31, 2013 at 1:10 pm said:

Perfect action shots!

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 1:47 pm said:
  
  I’m glad you like them thanks!
  
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Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment on January 31, 2013 at 3:27 pm said:

Fabulous images! I sure wouldn’t want to get between those two.

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- Phil Lanoue on January 31, 2013 at 4:37 pm said:
  
  Thanks I’m glad you like the egret pics!
  I would not want to get between them either, they look like they mean business. 🙂
  
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Scott Marshall on January 31, 2013 at 5:47 pm said:

this is beyond spectacular straight in to my top 5 of your posts

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:12 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate your kind words Scott and glad you liked the egret pics!
  
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Garden Walk Garden Talk on January 31, 2013 at 6:46 pm said:

I really like this sequence. It really made me smile.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:13 pm said:
  
  I’m so happy you enjoyed these egret photos! Thanks
  
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Beverly on January 31, 2013 at 9:02 pm said:

What outstanding photographs of the Egret dance! All your pictures are wonderful and I look forward to checking your site everyday.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much for looking and commenting, I greatly appreciate it Beverly!
  
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FeyGirl on January 31, 2013 at 11:09 pm said:

Wow!!!! Stunning… You really do capture some amazing scenes!!!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million for the kind words, I appreciate it tremendously!
  
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Sid Dunnebacke on February 1, 2013 at 12:18 am said:

I tell you, if they’re not more careful with those beaks, somebody’s going to lose an eye!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:15 pm said:
  
  No kidding! I know I would not want one of those guys to be very mad at me and try to poke me with that sharp bill! 😯
  
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Fotografin Thee Ballmer on February 2, 2013 at 10:14 am said:

you show us a great bird story with photos, thank you, great
LG Thee

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:16 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate you looking and commenting thanks!
  
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Molly Argo on February 2, 2013 at 9:14 pm said:

Oh wow! They don’t get better than this!!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 3, 2013 at 12:16 pm said:
  
  Thanks Molly for the kind words!
  
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theforagingphotographer on February 3, 2013 at 1:43 pm said:

Like a very cross ballet! 😀

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- Phil Lanoue on February 4, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:
  
  They might be dance/fighting 😀
  
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pviette on February 4, 2013 at 1:35 pm said:

Oh My ! The feeling I get when seeing your photographs is always double. They’re so overwhelmingly beautiful and at the same time, I feel mine are so … common. Gorgeous, Phil, just…, you know.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 4, 2013 at 5:40 pm said:
  
  Well I truly appreciate your very kind words and I’m happy you enjoy my photos!
  They ran a few of these on the Yahoo News UK site today.
  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/egrets-attack-over-turf-south-carolina-phil-lanoue-141356989.html#auqs54i
  
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Gunta on February 4, 2013 at 1:38 pm said:

All the shots are spectacular, but that first one is stunning! What is it about you hockey photographers? The instructor at my photo workshop covered the San Jose Sharks. You might even know him…. Don Smith?

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- Phil Lanoue on February 4, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the kind words Gunta and glad you liked these pics!
  I worked with a photographer named Don Smith in the northeast New Jersey area back in the 80s.
  
  BTW, they used a couple of these photos on the Yahoo News UK site today.
  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/egrets-attack-over-turf-south-carolina-phil-lanoue-141356989.html#auqs54i
  
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  - Gunta on February 4, 2013 at 7:08 pm said:
    
    Interesting article. Thanks for the link.
    
    Here’s a link to Don’s website: http://wp.me/p1u3wy-Af
    If it’s the same Don Smith he’s still shooting for the San Jose Sharks. In addition to the hockey, he’s branched into doing some marvelous landscape stuff and doing workshops all over the Western region.
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on February 5, 2013 at 10:59 am said:
      
      Well not the same Don Smith. The DS I knew would be closer to 100 years old now. (hope he doesn’t see this) 😉
      That guy has some very nice scenics.
      
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Katariina Partala on February 5, 2013 at 11:19 am said:

Hahahaha, looks like they’re dancing in the first pic!!! Such beautiful animals.. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on February 6, 2013 at 12:36 pm said:
  
  They turned a dance into an argument. ha ha
  Thank you for your kind comments and I’m happy you like the egret photos!
  Some of these photos were used on the Yahoo News UK site Monday.
  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/egrets-attack-over-turf-south-carolina-phil-lanoue-141356989.html#auqs54i
  
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  - Katariina Partala on February 10, 2013 at 2:02 pm said:
    
    Wow, that’s awesome!!! Congrats!!! 🙂
    
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Judy on February 11, 2013 at 4:25 pm said:

Sometimes even when it has been said by so many commenters already, it is so worth the redundancy! This is a truly perfect series and full of natural artistry…yours and that of the egrets!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 11, 2013 at 5:22 pm said:
  
  Well I greatly appreciate your very kind comments Judy!
  They ran a few of these on the Yahoo News UK site last week.
  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/egrets-attack-over-turf-south-carolina-phil-lanoue-141356989.html#auqs54i
  And the first one was chosen as a Nat Geo Daily Dozen selection this past Friday.
  
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  - Judy on February 12, 2013 at 2:11 pm said:
    
    Oh Wow! That is great!! The parallelism of the first face off shot is certainly wonderful!! Congrats!!
    
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Janet on February 26, 2013 at 10:20 pm said:

Your photos never disappoint! Thank you so much for sharing!!

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