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!

51 thoughts on “The New Improved Mr. Cranky?!?”

Lyle Krahn on October 14, 2013 at 12:47 pm said:

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.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 2:57 pm said:
  
  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.
  
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Gunta on October 14, 2013 at 12:57 pm said:

What Lyle said! And that last shot looks like he’s actually apologizing! What a wonderful turnaround.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 2:59 pm said:
  
  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.
  
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dinajohnston on October 14, 2013 at 12:57 pm said:

To funny! That tail bottom bite is a great catch. It looks like the one he’s biting is still a juvenile. Great story!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm said:
  
  Yes it is a juvie, those two were kind of together as a pair on Friday and Sat. and got along well. Mostly anyway. 🙂
  
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vastlycurious.com on October 14, 2013 at 1:14 pm said:

Beautiful plus the pink font!!! Love this !

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm said:
  
  I’m happy you liked the photos and the pink type color! 🙂
  
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Patrizia M. on October 14, 2013 at 1:25 pm said:

Sono meravigliose. Scatti fantastici, uno più bello dell’altro e che colori. Wowwww

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 3:04 pm said:
  
  Sono molto felice ti è piaciuto queste foto
  Grazie Pat! 😀
  
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Deb W. Trotter on October 14, 2013 at 2:27 pm said:

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.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 3:02 pm said:
  
  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! 😀
  
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Jeff | Planet Bell on October 14, 2013 at 2:55 pm said:

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.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 3:03 pm said:
  
  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. 🙂
  
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Garden Walk Garden Talk on October 14, 2013 at 3:27 pm said:

I was wondering what happened to him. Maybe he went for some therapy in anger management. 😀 Lovely images.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 4:11 pm said:
  
  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. 🙂
  
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norasphotos4u on October 14, 2013 at 3:44 pm said:

Fantastic captures. Time out – too funny

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  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. 🙂
  
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Cowboys and Crossbones on October 14, 2013 at 3:50 pm said:

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!).

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 4:14 pm said:
  
  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.
  
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RobynG on October 14, 2013 at 3:52 pm said:

Pretty in Pink…is all I could think when I saw the first image! Lovely.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 4:15 pm said:
  
  Thank you for checking these out and so glad you liked them!
  
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coast72 on October 14, 2013 at 4:10 pm said:

Amazing colors , almost looks as if somebody bodypainted it !

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- Phil Lanoue on October 14, 2013 at 4:16 pm said:
  
  I never get tired of watching and photographing these goofy pink birds, if they are out. I’ll be out. 🙂
  
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The Dancing Rider on October 14, 2013 at 4:49 pm said:

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. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:28 pm said:
  
  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! 🙂
  
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Amy on October 14, 2013 at 4:56 pm said:

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!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:29 pm said:
  
  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!
  
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Jane Lurie on October 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm said:

Incredible colors and images, Phil. Had a good smile at the “nip-in-the-butt” shot. You never disappoint! 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:30 pm said:
  
  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. 😆
  
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pixelspielerei on October 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm said:

Kids arguing and get along again. 😛
This bang Red eyes are so amazing, great!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:31 pm said:
  
  That’s what kids do for sure, and especially these goofy pink kids! 🙂
  
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meyer23 on October 14, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:

Anoher well told story in pics. Well done and congrats to this beautiful pics.

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:31 pm said:
  
  I’m so happy you enjoyed them, thanks!
  
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Steve Gingold on October 14, 2013 at 5:58 pm said:

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. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:32 pm said:
  
  Oh sure there are times when you know somebody just deserves it. 🙂
  Thanks for looking and commenting Steve!
  
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Lee Wilkerson on October 14, 2013 at 10:40 pm said:

The “tail-biting” shot is wonderful, the best laugh I’ve had all day! The whole series with the story is excellent!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:33 pm said:
  
  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’. 🙂
  
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foxleylady on October 15, 2013 at 5:16 am said:

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!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:34 pm said:
  
  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! 🙂
  
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Katariina Partala on October 15, 2013 at 6:37 am said:

amazing pictures, especially the first one!! 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:34 pm said:
  
  I’m very happy you liked them, thanks much!
  
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Littlesundog on October 15, 2013 at 10:21 am said:

Stunning shots, Phil. I just love the splash of pink!

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:35 pm said:
  
  I greatly appreciate the kind words and yes you just have to love a goofy pink bird! 😀
  
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Paula on October 15, 2013 at 2:35 pm said:

But I love the tail biting photo 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on October 15, 2013 at 5:36 pm said:
  
  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. 🙂
  
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adinparadise on October 15, 2013 at 10:02 pm said:

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. 🙂

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thehappyhugger on October 16, 2013 at 3:12 am said:

Lovin the pink! Fab pictures, Phil.

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Inspired and pretty on October 16, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:

Superb photos !

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saharkarami on October 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm said:

fascinating birdography Phil…

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Mitzi on October 17, 2013 at 6:38 pm said:

WOW…now that is definitely “Pretty in Pink”! Great shots!

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