Now It’s The GBH’s Turn!
Earlier this week we had the great egret being annoyed by the alligators while he was trying to fish. Last night however, it was the great blue heron that had to deal with a pesky pair of gators that were patrolling around in the salt marsh in the same area the heron wanted to fish.
At first these two alligators were kind of teamed up as they glided around in the marsh in search of some tasty fish or crabs. But eventually they floated off in different directions but never traveled far from the same general area where the heron was already set up for the evening. So of course this totally threw the bird off his game, as he couldn’t really concentrate on fishing with the dynamic duo constantly circling back into the fishing hole. I never saw the blue heron catch a single fish. There were fish all over and he saw them, but every time he tried to concentrate on catching one, in comes Mr. Alligator once again to spoil the whole situation.
To make matters worse, the alligators were none too pleased either. The tide started coming in very fast and soon the water was too deep for them to effectively fish in the way they are most successful.
This was not at all an ideal situation for the heron, trying to fish in the same water as unhappy alligators. But… like the egret from earlier, this heron never got completely intimidated and never left his post, he was still there as it got dark. Of course the alligators were still out there as well, lurking somewhere in the dark water…
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Another fascinating series Phil – I have seen shots of a gator eating a moorhen, but do you nkow if they ever manage to catch the larger birds?
Thanks very much for checking these out and glad you like the alligator bird interaction shots.
I have seen alligators take and eat a smaller bird like a snowy and last summer one had a pelican. But I suspect it did not catch the pelican, likely the gator found it already dead. But it dragged the bird all over the place and took all day to slowly dismember and eat the pelican.
Oh man! It seems the GBH is really quite miffed in the 3rd and 5th pics (someone just please throw him a fish!). So entertaining…and yet quite perplexing to ‘see’ how everyone is holding his ground. I suppose if the GBH goes elsewhere, there’d be pesky competitors there too! Life in the marsh – so engaging! Thanks Phil.
Hey thanks a million Edna! I appreciate you looking and commenting and I’m happy you enjoy seeing our marsh activity. Everyone was in kind of a bad mood out there last night, there were fish everywhere but nobody seemed to be able to catch any. Lucky for the heron the alligators did not take out their frustration on him.
..lucky for the heron the alligators did not take out their frustration on him… I’d say; very lucky indeed! 🙂 Beautiful series, Phil. Glad to see you were able to enjoy the marshes despite your condition. Get well soon! Best wishes from the coast of Norway, Dina
Hey thanks a million Dina I greatly appreciate your very kind thoughts and comments!
It got a little tense out there last night but the alligators, even though in bad moods, did not seem like they wanted to take it out on the poor GBH.
That is one brave, beautiful bird!
I think this poor heron was hungry, and even though there was potential danger around, he stayed on to try to keep fishing. Sadly however, I never saw him catch anything. Interesting to scenes to watch though. 🙂
AMEN there Dina – both re: heron and Phil’s health! Suffice it to say, we’re living vicariously thru Phil’s eyes and tales. The marshes here in Washington, DC feature more of the birds of prey – ospreys, eagles. Thank God, no gators…or should I say, no gators please.
Maybe I should drive a few gators up there for y’all. They’re fun! You’ll love ’em!
😦 I feel sorry for the heron — not getting even a little snack. I’d be nothing but cautious around patrolling and intruding alligators (who looked really nice in those shots). It’s interesting that the heron stuck around. Hope springs eternal!
I felt bad for the heron too but I also felt sorry for the alligators who had big trouble getting anything to eat. They were in deep water too quickly. They need more shallow water to feed in. They had disappointed looks on their little faces. But everybody was still at as it got dark so hopefully they came up with something.
Fantastic photos, Phil. That GBH looks quite nonchalant really. One would never guess what he’s thinking about those alligators, but I bet it’s not all sweetness and light. 🙂
The GBH was not happy, the alligators were not happy, nothing about the whole situation was good for anybody. However…they all managed to get along OK despite the foul moods. So there’s something anyway. 🙂
You sure know how to build up the suspense, Phil. I kept hearing the theme from Jaws in my head while reading your words. That heron is still pretty young – no breeding colors to the beak yet – so there’s time for heron to master the art of alligator intimidation. Which is a good thing.
Ultimately the alligators pretty much just ignored the GBH although he could not totally ignore them but he did a decent job of acting like it.
We actually seem to get many adult GBHs that don’t get the bright blue breeding lores, same with egrets not getting green, and not all snowys get the red.
I think if we had alligators here, my time on the water would be extremely curtailed! Your photo of the two gators agains the shimmery grey water is beautiful.
Oh you would love them if you had any alligators around, they are not just fun, but cute and cuddly too! 🙂
Hah. Hah hah. You are such a card, cuddly Mr. A must be reading over your shoulder.
Hi Phil, catching up on your posts, and all were spectacular as usual! Each one gave me smiles and laughter as well as WOWs, ooohhhs, awwwws, and most definitely lots of inspiration. Thank you! 🙂
Oh wow, well I am thrilled that you have been enjoying the photos! Thanks a bunch!