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.
It Must Be Love
So what is love? Maybe having someone to goof around with and just be silly? Maybe having a mate with a good sense of humor that appreciates your jokes? It could be that special someone who is happy to give you a nice place to rest your head? It may be someone that is just like you, who really enjoys having you around all the time to share life’s adventures.
In any case, when I was watching a bunch of wood storks in a pine tree last week these two stood out. I quickly realized they were not fussing and arguing with each other as is typical wood stork behavior when everyone is trying to get the best branch. This pair were clearly in love…
Eagle In The Afternoon
Sunday afternoon I spotted this bald eagle standing in a pine tree along side the marsh area. I suspected it would not sit still in that tree for very long and I was right, within just a few minutes it jumped out and was gone. I was all set to grab some shots as it took off from the tree, but unfortunately the eagle banked hard to the right and after getting this third shot my only view was the back of it’s wings and it’s white rump. I was glad to have the opportunity to see this magnificent bird regardless of whether I got flight shots or not because any day you see a wild bald eagle out in nature is a good day. 🙂
Just When You Thought He Was A Changed Bird…
After seeing our resident pink bad boy having a humbling encounter with an alligator a few days ago, we thought that experience would likely turn his life around and stop some of the aggressive behavior. But oh no, not this grumpy spoonbill! He was right back at it in the salt marsh, once again biting the tail of another spoonie that was feeding quietly and minding it’s own business. And he wouldn’t stop either, he chased the other poor spoonbill completely out of the area. yapping at him the entire time!
Egrets New Friend
Actually these two egrets looked a bit confused when our pal Mr. A interrupted their fishing this morning when he came gliding in between them. Everyone remained calm and well behaved however, since a nice quiet, peaceful Sunday morning is best for all involved. 🙂
Mr. A’s BIG Dinner
Last week we were watching our pal Mr. A feeding in the salt marsh right around low tide. He likes to go there at that time because he can easily plunder a shallow pool of water which is stuffed with landlocked fish and crabs. Normally he is content to scoop up mouthfuls of the smaller fish that are jumping all over, but on this night Mr. A scored himself an entrée sized fish. This poor fish had the misfortune to not be paying attention as the tide was going out so instead of swimming along in the marsh, it ended up on the night’s menu.
Spoonbill Incoming
Two days ago I watched this spoonbill take off from the salt marsh and I thought it would fly further out looking for a new feeding spot. But instead, it did one loop around and decided to head into the same pine tree where all the wood storks were congregating.
It was funny seeing the one wood stork (seen in the first three photos) watch the spoonie carefully as it approached but, upon realizing spoonie was not planning to land on his head, the stork lost interest. Then the wood stork on the right took notice, as well as the one under the spoonbill, and by photo 6 you can see the two above looking down on the expected landing. Finally spoonie finds an empty branch and settles in, but that apparently did not please one wood stork who felt the need to immediately leave the tree.
Soon after this I was treated to a rare display of affection by a pair of wood storks in the same tree and that series of photos is a post for another day…
Sunset At The Marsh
Last night after the bird action died down I decided to hang around the marsh pond for a while to see if the sunset would be spectacular as is often the case. Sadly, the sunset in the sky kind of fizzled, but looking toward the water I saw the setting sun casting warm golden colors and then I saw something else. It was none other then our good pal Mr. A gliding across the marsh pond silhouetted by the warm setting sunlight. So the actual sunset was no big deal, but a Mr. A sighting is always a big deal! 🙂
Mr. Grumpy Meets His Match!
Well what do you know?! It turns out that not everyone in the marsh can be intimidated by our resident anti social cranky pink bird. Look who has decided he can be all quiet, mannerly, and reserved when around certain other individuals that he can’t push around! Suddenly it is a lot easier to behave when sharing a fishing spot with our pal Mr. A….What a surprise! 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 