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

  1. 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!!

    • 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. 🙂

  2. 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!

    • 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. 🙂

  3. 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.

    • 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!

  4. 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” >

  5. 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.

    • 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!

    • 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! 🙂

  6. 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.

    • 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. 🙂

  7. 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.

  8. 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
    >

Leave a reply to Phil Lanoue Cancel reply