Evening In The Marsh
Yesterday evening we had our resident dysfunctional loner spoonbill Mr. Cranky Pants feeding in the salt marsh by himself. We saw four or five other spoonbills fly over, but none stopped once they saw who was down there. I guess they decided it’s easier to just avoid their grumpy friend altogether. He did manage to get along OK with a wood stork, so it looks like it’s mostly members of his own species that he has issues with. In any case though, I’m happy he is sticking around. I’m thinking the other spoonbills…not so happy. In the last photo he’s flying off to roost for the night, back lit by setting sunlight.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Love that take off in the second to the last image and that glowy parting shot!!
I agree. That’s wonderful.
Thank you I’m happy you enjoyed these spoonie pics!
Thanks very much Judy! I almost didn’t include that last shot but glad I did.
It is an unusual coloration and so monotone. But, there is something appealing and interesting about it. Guess the bird is symbolically flying into the sunset at the end of a long hard day at the marsh.
Not only did I almost not post that last photo, I almost didn’t even take it. As the bird flew off I knew it would be backlit so I was ready to just drop it, but then when I saw it flying right toward the yellow/orange glow of the sunset I banged off a few frames. Wasn’t sure I liked it much at first but it grew on me a bit the more I looked at it.
I’m running out of words to praise your amazing pics, Phil, so I found a few more. Take your pick.
Astounding
Bedazzling
Brilliant
Breathtaking
Classy
Compelling
Dazzling
Eclipsing
Elite
Enriching
Epic
Flawless
First-rate
Gripping
Groundbreaking
Gut-wrenching
Headline-worthy
Iconic
Impeccable
Insightful
Inspired
Kick-Ass
Laudable
Legendary
Luminous
Masterful
Notable
Pioneering
Pitch-Perfect
Pivotal
Prime
Provocative
Refined
Rich
Riveting
Sensational
Stellar
To Die For
Trailblazing
Thought-Provoking
Touching
Transcendent
Unforgettable
Vibrant
World class
😆
and I can add romantic too… I love these pink wings and their reflections on water… dear Phil is great. Thank you, love, nia
Well thank you Nia, I’m so happy that you also felt there was some romance in the photos! 🙂
and the pink font, ad – you forgot to mention Phil’s great colour scheme!
Well, absolutely! It matches the Spoonies plumage perfectly. 🙂
I figure if the spoonbills are going to proudly display their pink plumage I might as well get on board and support the pink! 🙂
I really admire a man who isn’t afraid of pink. I think it shows confidence. 😀
We try to color coordinate whenever possible. 😀 Glad you like the pink!
Wow! I am quite flattered Sylvia! I truly appreciate your continued interest and support and your very kind comments! Thanks so much!
Fantastic shots. Love the abstract look to the reflection in the second one
That one is a favorite of mine, so glad you liked it too!
Maybe he forgot what kind he is. Lol. Beautiful sky on the last one. 🙂
He is kind of a confused bird at times I think. 🙂 I’m glad to know you like the sky in the last photo, I came close to not using it.
Not just another evening In the marsh, a wonderful evening with beautiful shots, excellent work Phil.
Well I appreciate that very much Jan thank you.
Yep, these are good, Phil. Some nice feeding action from CP and that last shot is very cool.
Thanks a bunch Steve and good to hear another vote for the last photo which I almost didn’t use at all.
WoW! I love that last pic, Phil!…and what ad said 😉
Hey I appreciate that very much and that’s great…Another vote for the last pic, glad I included it at the last minute!
We often find with our local birds that the aggressive types only target their own species. All the shots are beautiful, Phil but that last one – oh my!
I had seen our resident crank go after snowys and ibis but usually only to give them a bit of a snap and then right back to feeding. But yes he gives the most problems to other spoonbills, he is some character all right.
Wow another person liking that last photo! Excellent. Thanks!
Does Mr Cranky Pants think he’s a stork?
I have given up trying to figure out what’s going on inside that bird’s head. I think some of his friends have given up on him too. But maybe he will surprise us and change his ways. ha ha…maybe
Awesome captures! Especially the second and the last one, Wow!
I really appreciate that Amy, thanks! Great to hear you enjoyed these spoonbill pics!
Hehe I second everything Sylvia had to say 😀 This is the third time I entered this post today and I forgot to comment every time.. that’s how impressed I was 🙂
Well I greatly appreciate your very kind words Paula, thanks so much! 🙂 And glad you returned to comment!
Gorgeous photos, Phil! I’ll try to forget his behavior and appreciate his beautiful plumage.
That’s probably the best plan Deb, if we dwell on his unruly behavior too much we might forget how awesome the bird looks. 🙂
I just wanted to pinch his butt so bad in that second shot. The last one is utterly beyond any words.
Ha! It is tempting to just give a quick little grab on those tail feathers in the second shot isn’t it?! 🙂
I’m very happy you liked that last shot, I came very close to not including it but glad I did.
I love that last shot Phil, it looks like he’s flying into a fire!
Love the photos – and the last one is just spectacular!
Red sails in the sunset… He sure knows his classics 🙂 I like the second one, too. How low can I go without touching the water?