Patrolling the Salt Marsh

I’ve been away a while I know…

A hundred times I’ve wanted to start a new post, but somehow the time never seemed quite right or at least I couldn’t make it right.

But looks like today was finally the day to make it happen.

It was a mild December afternoon and we decided to get in some motorcycle riding time, and headed over to the salt marsh area.

We almost didn’t stop because there didn’t seem to be a whole lot going on, just the usual egrets and blue herons fussing at one another.

But we did stop, and as soon as we started walking toward the marsh area we noticed about a dozen small snowy egrets all rapidly taking flight in a panic. We’ve seen this behavior before and it often means a bald eagle is entering the nearby air space.

Turns out that’s exactly the case and the eagle was headed straight in our direction. He took a few quick glances at the water below but it was clear he wasn’t fishing. As soon as I saw the landing gear being deployed, I knew he was headed for one of the pines at the edge of the marsh.

Sure enough, the eagle pointed those big sky hooks at one of the branches and dropped in for a bit of preening in the sun.

After about 20 minutes, the big guy took flight and left his tree. He did two or three circles over head then headed off north quite possibly toward a nearby tidal pond where some ducks were sighted yesterday.

So it was a good day today. Got in some bike riding time and saw a bonus eagle.

Nice way to get back into blog posting, we’ll see how long it lasts…

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 01

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 02

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 03

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 04

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 05

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 06

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 07

Bald Eagle Patrols The Salt Marsh 08

67 thoughts on “Patrolling the Salt Marsh”

Linda V on December 12, 2017 at 7:18 pm said:

Glad to see your back, sometimes you just need a break….and, really be motiviated at the moment…as usual your pictures are very refreshing…Keep them coming!!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 9:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for checking in Linda and I’m really thrilled you enjoy the photos!
  I plan to post more in the coming days. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Maleea on December 12, 2017 at 7:35 pm said:

Welcome back! I’ve missed your glimpses of salt life.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 10:47 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million Maleea! Nice to know I’ve been missed, and I appreciate you checking back in!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
foxleylady on December 12, 2017 at 7:35 pm said:

Phil, wonderful to see you back – how we’ve missed you! These crystal clear pictures are stunning! Loved nos 6 and 8 particularly. What a great combination – a bike ride and an eagle!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 10:50 pm said:
  
  Hi Maggie! Wonderful to see a friend coming back to comment and it sure feels good that you enjoy the photos and seeing life in the marsh area. It was a special day, we were not there one minute when that eagle came jetting in, he must have missed me too and been waiting. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Vicky on December 12, 2017 at 7:58 pm said:

Yeah Phil! Good to see you and your camera back in action! Great shots!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 10:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks a bunch Vicky! So nice of you to check back in and comment, I greatly appreciate your interest and kind comments!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Bill lindner on December 12, 2017 at 8:07 pm said:

Welcome Back!

Wonderful to see another one of your posts again. Have a great Holiday and an even better 2018

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 11:35 pm said:
  
  Hey Bill! Thanks much for the warm welcome! Appreciate you looking and commenting and hope you have a terrific holiday season!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Susan Sohl on December 12, 2017 at 8:16 pm said:

Welcome back! good to see you posting again.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 11:55 pm said:
  
  Hi Sue, thanks a bunch for the warm welcome back, I greatly appreciate it.
  Hope all is well on your end.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Rhyss on December 12, 2017 at 8:24 pm said:

So glad to see you are posting again! Your wonderful pictures give us a view of a the world many of us would never experience otherwise.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 11:57 pm said:
  
  Hello Rhys, thanks much for the kind words and that’s exactly what I’m hoping to accomplish. I’m always thrilled when folks see various types of wildlife and their behavior and enjoy the photos!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
babsje on December 12, 2017 at 9:07 pm said:

Beautiful captures, Phil! So glad that you’re back. Best, Babsje

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 12, 2017 at 11:59 pm said:
  
  Well I greatly appreciate your very kind comments Babsje! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
Pamela Dawson on December 12, 2017 at 9:18 pm said:

So glad you’re back! We’ve missed your wonderful stories and pictures. Thank you for Coming back!

On Tue, Dec 12, 2017 at 6:12 PM Phil Lanoue Photography wrote:

> Phil Lanoue posted: “I’ve been away a while I know… A hundred times I’ve > wanted to start a new post, but somehow the time never seemed quite right > or at least I couldn’t make it right. But looks like today was finally the > day to make it happen. It was a mild December aft” >

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:12 am said:
  
  So wonderful to read your thoughtful comments Pamela, thank you so much, and nice to be missed. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Linda Leaver on December 12, 2017 at 9:25 pm said:

Welcome back. Beautiful pictures of the eagle.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:13 am said:
  
  I appreciate the warm welcome Linda and glad you enjoyed the eagle photos!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
MJSATTERLEE on December 12, 2017 at 9:52 pm said:

Have missed your photos! Glad you are back.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:14 am said:
  
  It feels great to read your warm welcome back and nice to know my photos have been missed!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
bayphotosbydonna on December 12, 2017 at 9:59 pm said:

Beautiful captures, always a bonus when sighting an eagle. Glad to see you back to posting, your photos are always spectacular. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:15 am said:
  
  Thanks a million for the very kind words and warm welcome Donna! So happy you liked seeing the eagle going about his routine today!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
Lori Turner on December 12, 2017 at 11:14 pm said:

Oh I’m so glad to finally see this. I check your site every single day in hopes that you are back at it and was so excited today I almost squealed out loud. Please keep it up. Your photography and blogging is fantastic.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:18 am said:
  
  Hi Lori, thanks you so much for these special and kind comments! I feel great knowing you enjoy the photos and have missed the blog. So glad you checked in to say hello and appreciate the amazing compliments!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Ricky H. Simpson on December 13, 2017 at 1:01 am said:

Great to see you back in action Phil! Great shots as always Phil. I was thinking about you the other day and was wondering how you were doing. Again great to see you posting again.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:15 pm said:
  
  Hey Ricky! How you doing? Been a while. :-). Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed seeing me back at it!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Deb W. Trotter on December 13, 2017 at 1:19 am said:

A blast from the past in my inbox today (that would be your blog post). Glad to see you’re still letting the birds capture your fancy! Amazing bald eagle photos.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:17 pm said:
  
  Hi Deb! Glad to see you in here and appreciate your kind comments. I’m going to try to get out there a bit more often. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Lee Wilkerson on December 13, 2017 at 1:38 am said:

Thanks for today’s blog, and every photo here is excellent (of course)! Glad it was a good day for riding too.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:19 pm said:
  
  Hey Lee, thanks for stopping by! Yesterday was indeed a good day for riding and watching the eagle!
  And it got even better later. The guy at the seafood counter at the local store gave us two free lobster tails! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
niasunset on December 13, 2017 at 3:13 am said:

I was thinking of you dear Phil, I am so glad to see you back. What a beautiful photographs. I really missed your photography. Thank you, have a nice day, Love, nia

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:20 pm said:
  
  Hello Nia, so nice to see you here again! Thank you for commenting and hope all is well!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
  - niasunset on December 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm said:
    
    For me, too dear Phil, welcome and Thanks, Love, nia
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
    - Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:53 pm said:
      
      It was great to see you Nia and thanks again for your kind interest.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
      
      Reply ↓
circuitousjourney on December 13, 2017 at 6:46 am said:

Wonderful to see your photographs again!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:21 pm said:
  
  I appreciate that very much, thanks a bunch for checking back in and glad you liked the eagle pics!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Teri Downes. (tk) on December 13, 2017 at 7:56 am said:

Missed you SG. I’ve done some eagle patrol at home myself. They are a great subject.
tk

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:22 pm said:
  
  Nice to hear I’ve been missed, thanks so much!
  Yes indeed, any day you see an eagle is a good day. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Marta Hicks on December 13, 2017 at 8:22 am said:

Oh how I have missed your excellent images and commentary of your beautiful area. Hotdog and hallelujah!!! That was my first thought when your posted showed up!!! Keep them coming. Your absence has been a huge vacuum in my photo viewing pleasure.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:24 pm said:
  
  Well I greatly appreciate your very kind comments Marta, thanks very much!
  Nice to know I’ve been missed and hope to post more often.
  I think I’ll start doing some look backs at what was going on at the marsh all year. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Marilyn Roberts on December 13, 2017 at 9:22 am said:

Welcome back. I’ve missed your photos of our wonderful wildlife.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:25 pm said:
  
  So nice of you to stop by and comment, thanks very much Marilyn!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Thomas J Baccari on December 13, 2017 at 10:52 am said:

Hey Phil so glad to see you back in action. Those are fantastic shots of the Eagle.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:26 pm said:
  
  I appreciate that very much TJ, thank you for checking in and commenting!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Fred Felty on December 13, 2017 at 11:13 am said:

Awesome pictures as usual!!! I have always enjoyed your photography!!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:27 pm said:
  
  Hi Fred, so nice to hear you enjoy the photos and feels good to be missed! Thanks for stopping in! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
MaryAnn Nordell on December 13, 2017 at 11:24 am said:

Welcome back and thank you! Have missed your pics and explanations 🤗

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 13, 2017 at 12:29 pm said:
  
  Wow, thanks a million for your kind words MaryAnn and I’m very happy you are glad I’m back and that you enjoy the photos and stories!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Judy Felty on December 13, 2017 at 3:23 pm said:

So happy to see your post! I have missed them!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  Nice to hear I’ve been missed, thanks very much Judy!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Wendell Dance on December 13, 2017 at 4:41 pm said:

I have missed the posts and really enjoyed the return

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  I’m happy to see you here Wendell, much thanks!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Paula Harrington on December 13, 2017 at 5:16 pm said:

And what a way to come back. Gorgeous. Good to see you back. I will be coming your way Sunday for a few days. Tell Alyce hi.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:55 pm said:
  
  Hey Paula, thanks very much for stopping in to check out the eagle photos!
  Alyce says hi!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Fran Cass on December 13, 2017 at 7:35 pm said:

Thank you so much!! Beautiful pictures! We have missed you very much. We live near Columbia. in Chapin, and always enjoy your view of what’s happening at HBST, our favorite spot. Welcome back!! Happy Holidays.
Sent from my iPhone
>

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:57 pm said:
  
  Hi Fran! I’m so glad you checked in here and nice to know you enjoy the wildlife scenes from HBSP!
  Hope all is well and you folks enjoy your holidays! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Alain MICHOT on December 13, 2017 at 9:07 pm said:

WELCOME back, Brother ! we missed ya ! Great photos, by the way ….

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 5:58 pm said:
  
  Hey Alain! Great seeing you here and thanks much for checking back in! Hope all is well and talk soon.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Angela on December 14, 2017 at 8:28 pm said:

So good to see you’re back again, even the Eagle is welcoming you back.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 15, 2017 at 6:00 pm said:
  
  Hi Angela! Thanks for welcoming me back!
  It was funny with that eagle, I wasn’t there ten seconds when he came flying right in. Maybe he missed me. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Angela on April 19, 2018 at 2:45 am said:
    
    Please come back I miss seeing the beautiful birds and wildlife.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Rolling Harbour on December 16, 2017 at 5:15 pm said:

Hi Phil, as everyone has already said, it’s great to have you back. Your excellent photography has been much missed. All the best. RH

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on December 18, 2017 at 11:34 am said:
  
  Hey RH! Thanks so much for stopping by! Great to see yet another friendly and familiar name.
  I also greatly appreciate the kind comments! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
MHinGA on December 21, 2017 at 8:25 am said:

Yeah, you are back! Love your photography and commentary. This is an awesome Christmas gift to your followers.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Anne Baldwin on December 28, 2017 at 12:24 pm said:

I really enjoy your post and all your beautiful images. Thanks for sharing.

LikeLike

Reply ↓