The New Improved Mr. Cranky?!?
Out favorite pink grump was all over the marsh this weekend, flying about and frequently stopping to feed. But this time I noticed a significant difference in his behavior and attitude, he seemed to be…well, less cranky.
He got along fine with an egret, and he got along fine with a great blue heron, both of which I thought were very good signs. Plus he didn’t seem to get even the least bit upset when he was feeding with his young friend and a wood stork and they all got photo bombed by a snowy egret. Yes indeed, he was getting along just great with everybody, and really appeared quite pleased to have his little friend by his side there in the salt marsh.
Ok though… in the spirit of full disclosure I must point out that our previously grumpy spoonbill did backslide into grumpiness just a bit at one point. There was this minor tail biting incident which I believe he felt bad about…because later I saw him walk back out into the reeds where he gave himself a brief time out. That did the trick because he and the juvie spoonie were quickly right back to being friendly marsh mates once again!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
I continue to marvel at the wonderful opportunities you have to catch these large birds. And of course you make the most of it but creating these wonderful photos. That first photo with the background is just sublime.
Thanks a million for the kind comments I truly appreciate it. These goofy pink birds keep me going out there as often as possible, I hope they stay around a while longer.
What Lyle said! And that last shot looks like he’s actually apologizing! What a wonderful turnaround.
He seems to have mellowed a bit the longer he stays around here, although he did have the one slip it’s a lot better then it used to be where he would jump on a younger spoonbill at first glance.
To funny! That tail bottom bite is a great catch. It looks like the one he’s biting is still a juvenile. Great story!
Yes it is a juvie, those two were kind of together as a pair on Friday and Sat. and got along well. Mostly anyway. 🙂
Beautiful plus the pink font!!! Love this !
I’m happy you liked the photos and the pink type color! 🙂
Sono meravigliose. Scatti fantastici, uno più bello dell’altro e che colori. Wowwww
Sono molto felice ti è piaciuto queste foto
Grazie Pat! 😀
Love the photos. Love the story that goes along with them. If I didn’t know better, I would accuse you of setting it all up ahead of time! What a marvelous environment you live near.
I let these guy do all the work and all I do is record some of it. Everything really does happen out there as you see in the photos, that’s the fun in it! 😀
It is good to see that Mr. Grumpy is growing as a person. That top photo is excellent. i like how even his eye is in perfect focus. Great shot.
Thank you so much Jeff, glad to know you enjoyed these photos of our pink goofball. He has a lot better attitude then he did two months ago that’s for sure. 🙂
I was wondering what happened to him. Maybe he went for some therapy in anger management. 😀 Lovely images.
He is still around and although he is much better behaved the occasional slip can occur. His young friend seemed to forgive him though. Glad you liked these. 🙂
Fantastic captures. Time out – too funny
He was funny putting himself back in the reeds, he stayed their for a brief time then came out to continue with his activity. Goofy bird. 🙂
That’s a rather large bite, Mr. Cranky Pants!! But all-in-all total attitude adjustment? Do you think he’s been in counseling? Fab pictures (and text color!).
Our friend Mr. Cranky Pants may indeed be in counseling. Possibly goes to the same therapist as Mr. A cause we all know what a positive attitude our big alligator friend has.
Glad you liked the pics and knew you would be happy with the pink text.
Pretty in Pink…is all I could think when I saw the first image! Lovely.
Thank you for checking these out and so glad you liked them!
Amazing colors , almost looks as if somebody bodypainted it !
I never get tired of watching and photographing these goofy pink birds, if they are out. I’ll be out. 🙂
Ha ha, I laughed so hard when I got to the “minor tail biting incident”. But good for him. Each and every photo is so great, and illustrative of better behavior — until that one particular shot. But then it’s ok again. 🙂 I had read the narrative first, and wasn’t expecting the “tail bit” to be captured. Really made me laugh. 🙂
I’m so happy you got a laugh out his antics, I know I sure do when I’m out there watching him. Plus I just can’t help myself taking more photos! 🙂
I never get tired of viewing your bird photos. Glad to hear he is adjusting his attitude 🙂 He sure looks handsome with the pink wings. Thank you for another awesome set of cranky bird image, Phil!
Thanks very much fro checking these out Amy and I’m glad you enjoyed them. That cranky bird is some piece of work for sure!
Incredible colors and images, Phil. Had a good smile at the “nip-in-the-butt” shot. You never disappoint! 🙂
Thanks very much for the kind words Jane! 🙂 I was actually surprised when he went for the butt bite, he was so well behaved up to that point. 😆
Kids arguing and get along again. 😛
This bang Red eyes are so amazing, great!
That’s what kids do for sure, and especially these goofy pink kids! 🙂
Anoher well told story in pics. Well done and congrats to this beautiful pics.
I’m so happy you enjoyed them, thanks!
Even the most mature of us want to give someone a bite on the butt once in a while. Glad to see he is becoming more self-aware. 🙂
Oh sure there are times when you know somebody just deserves it. 🙂
Thanks for looking and commenting Steve!
The “tail-biting” shot is wonderful, the best laugh I’ve had all day! The whole series with the story is excellent!
I’m very happy you liked these spoonie shots Lee, thanks a million for checking them out and glad you enjoyed the famous ‘tail bite’. 🙂
Our vet says that animals are far more intelligent than we give them credit for – looks as though he is right! Another great story, Phil!
Oh that’s true, whoever thinks ‘bird brain’ is a bad thing does not have it right. These guys often know exactly what they are doing. Plus they are fun to watch! 🙂
amazing pictures, especially the first one!! 🙂
I’m very happy you liked them, thanks much!
Stunning shots, Phil. I just love the splash of pink!
I greatly appreciate the kind words and yes you just have to love a goofy pink bird! 😀
But I love the tail biting photo 🙂
He probably wishes I missed that one but now it’s out there for everyone to see. Oh well at least he was *mostly* well behaved. 🙂
Fantastic pics, Phil. I so enjoyed the story. I’m sure there’s a moral in there, somewhere, and I do love a happy ending. 🙂
Lovin the pink! Fab pictures, Phil.
Superb photos !
fascinating birdography Phil…
WOW…now that is definitely “Pretty in Pink”! Great shots!