Phil Lanoue Photography
I previously worked as a news and sports photographer. Recently I have been enjoying wildlife photography. My approach toward bird photos is similar to sports photography. I attempt to capture mostly action and hopefully a unique perspective.
Fishing At Pond’s Edge
Early this afternoon there were a couple of white ibis fishing in the shallow water along the rocks at the edge of the marsh pond. They seemed to have considerable success plucking out these small fish that I suspect were moving very slowly if at all due to the cold water temperature. The fish were easy pickings for the ibis who last time I looked appeared to be settled in for the day taking advantage of the great fishing to be had at pond’s edge.
Unusual Arrival
Earlier this week I was watching a group of white pelicans that were floating around and feeding in the marsh pond. Suddenly I saw a different large white bird come gliding into the scene… it turned out to be, of all things, a swan! At first I thought it might have been a tundra swan but no, this was in fact a juvenile mute swan who had not yet grown into it’s adult all white plumage.
It is odd to see a swan in the marsh but perhaps this youngster saw the white pelicans and thought they might be his parents. 🙂
Also note a great blue heron on the left, watching with interest as the scene unfolded.
The Jump Off!
Here is the continuation of our bald eagle friend from yesterday… Once I saw that ‘look’, I knew he was likely ready to jump out of the tree and take off flying and that’s exactly what he did. Right after he cleared the tree the eagle swooped low and banked right flying right in front of me. In fact, he was so close I couldn’t fit all of him in my lens!
His next move was to do a wide circle over the marsh pond where just for laughs he buzzed a group of coots which were minding their own business at the far back edge of the pond. This naturally sent the coots scattering in a full blown panic. The eagle did not even attempt to grab a coot he just wanted to give them a hard time…which he is well known for doing! From there he flew up over the tree line and back across the salt marsh to go land in his favorite tall perch along the far side of the marsh.
A Scratch, A Fluff, And He’s Ready!
Yesterday afternoon I was watching this bald eagle that was sitting in a pine tree along side the salt marsh. At first he was mostly just looking around surveying the scene with an excellent view from high atop his perch. Quickly though the eagle began to get a bit restless, he scratched, he fluffed, and then I knew he was ready… but for what?
Tune in tomorrow to see what the eagle did next. 🙂
A Little Late Fishing
Late this afternoon, just as we were leaving the marsh pond, this juvenile brown pelican showed up for some end of day fishing. Brown pelicans, unlike the white pelicans, are not very graceful birds. Their fishing technique basically consists of a crash into the water then a scoop up of whatever was hopefully trapped in that large throat pouch.
We saw this youngster snag a few fish before it headed off toward the beach for the evening.
Odd Couple
This afternoon I was quite surprised to see a night heron standing on the edge of the marsh pond. I don’t normally see night herons at this time of day, and I also don’t usually see one just standing out in the open like this.
A white ibis joined the heron a short time later and clearly the night heron was not at all pleased about having to share his spot with an ibis…in fact he seemed a bit grumpy about it! Now I thought the ibis looked like a very nice, well behaved bird, but what do I know? Once the ibis moved off, the mood of the night heron seemed to improve although I do have to admit it is kind of tough to tell. 🙂
Sticks The Landing
Earlier this week I followed this egret as it flew in low just over the marsh reeds which were lit by warm setting sunlight. I was extremely impressed by the perfect landing plus I particularly liked those fluffed up neck and chest feathers at the end! 🙂
In A Hurry
Seeing this cormorant burst up out of the salt marsh like his tail was on fire indicated to me that he had someplace important to be and needed to get there immediately!
Phil Lanoue Photography 