Morning Activity In The Marsh Pond

There was some bird and alligator activity this morning in the marsh pond, and even though it was out a good distance, I had to grab a few shots of the ‘action’. A group of white ibis were paying only token attention to a little alligator that was feeding in the area. The two ibis on the left however paid no attention at all to the gator as it went back and forth behind them…they simply continued on with their naps.

About ten minutes later most of the ibis had flown off but a spoonbill arrived to join the remaining two. They kept a bit of an eye on the alligator as it continued to work the area for fish, but once it started to move off, the spoonbill and ibis went right back to their own feeding!

18 thoughts on “Morning Activity In The Marsh Pond”

TheForagingPhotographer on July 15, 2013 at 4:49 pm said:

I love the one of the three of them looking at the alligator!

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- Phil Lanoue on July 25, 2013 at 1:01 pm said:
  
  That’s my favorite too Lucy!
  Sorry just discovered your comment in Spam. WP has been acting twitchy lately. 😕
  
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Gunta on July 15, 2013 at 5:15 pm said:

That fourth shot looks like the spoonie and the ibis pair are getting the evil eye… weighing the chances perhaps?

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:14 pm said:
  
  You are right the alligator does have that ‘look’, but it also seemed to be mostly just ignoring the birds with fish being the likely items on his menu.
  
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pixelspielerei on July 15, 2013 at 5:22 pm said:

They’re really relaxed! I would have been much more nervous! For sure! 😛 Great Shots! ▲

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:16 pm said:
  
  The birds usually seem to always have a good idea if an alligator in on the hunt (for them). It’s the ones that sneak up under the water that the birds need to worry about, these top floaters are pretty much OK.
  Thanks I’m glad you like these!
  
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Steve Gingold on July 15, 2013 at 7:18 pm said:

I guess it is not an original ideas, but this would be good with the theme from Jaws. 🙂
Cool action. Maybe Junior wasn’t quite as close as it seems?

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:17 pm said:
  
  I think the alligators would LOVE their own theme music! I should get a sound system put up out there. 🙂
  The alligator was really as close as he looked, but the birds knew fish was it’s target not them.
  
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Amy on July 15, 2013 at 9:29 pm said:

They were pretty close to the gator… Great shots, Phil!

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:18 pm said:
  
  Those birds always seem to know when to really watch out for the gators. It’s the sneaky under water ones they need to worry about.
  Thanks, glad you enjoyed these pics Amy!
  
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Deb W. Trotter on July 15, 2013 at 11:33 pm said:

Very nice photo narrative. Thanks Phil!

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:18 pm said:
  
  I’m very happy you enjoyed it Deb, thanks!
  
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janmasyn on July 16, 2013 at 12:11 am said:

Great shots Phil,

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Jan!
  
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adinparadise on July 16, 2013 at 9:35 am said:

Great photos, Phil. I’m sure those birds do keep a watchful eye on Mr ‘Gator, just in case he suddenly decides to try a taste of feathers rather than fish scales. There are two ‘gators in your last pic, right?

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- Phil Lanoue on July 16, 2013 at 4:21 pm said:
  
  Thank you Sylvia I’m so glad you liked these photos and story. The birds seem to knew when they need to be especially careful around an alligator and it’s generally the ones that sneak up under the water that mean business.
  Good eye! You are 100% correct, there is indeed a second little guy in that last photo in the lower left corner! 😀
  
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Bella Remy Photography on July 18, 2013 at 5:54 pm said:

I love how they always managed to have at least one lookout on guard while the others were eating. Great captures Phil. Really shows the moment.

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- Phil Lanoue on July 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm said:
  
  Yeah but it really is funny to see some not just not paying attention, but sleeping. Too funny!
  
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