Phil Lanoue Photography

Mama “Radar”?!

Last night everyone was thrilled to see five spoonbills working the salt marsh during low tide. We were also particularly happy to enjoy a special guest appearance by our favorite great egret “Radar”. As some of you might remember, Radar got his name because he has a transmitter pack attached to his back that has two antennas sticking out of it. He is supposed to be part of a study involving migratory habits of certain wading birds such as egrets.

Yesterday evening though, Radar was behaving more like a mother duck with the spoonbills as her ducklings. At one point Radar had them all lined up and led them over to the water. Eventually he, (Radar is actually a male egret) kept watch over the brood as they stayed in line and fed in the shallow water in the salt marsh.

I included the last photo with a closer view where, if you look carefully, you should be able to see the antennas sticking out from Radar’s back.

One Last Word…

Great Blue Herons can be vocal, very vocal. They often feel compelled to loudly announce both their arrivals and departures, and you can never miss that distinctive GBH squawk. Whether there is anyone nearby listening or not is basically irrelevant to this bird, I think he just likes to hear his own voice!

So late yesterday evening just as we were leaving the salt marsh area, I heard that familiar sound and turned just in time to see this blue heron arriving. I got these photos as he flew in low across the marsh reeds, proudly and boldly announcing his presence to any and all who may, or may not be around. He quieted down to make his touchdown landing and had a look on his face in that last photo like he was thinking to himself…”yup, nailed that one.”

The Pelican Parade

This morning a quartet of white pelicans were doing a slow glide through the water at the far back edge of the marsh pond. I watched and waited for the formation to come floating in front of a large group of wood storks that were preening there at the pond’s edge.

In the first photo you can also see a spoonbill joining the storks in a bit of a morning feather touch up. The wood storks seemed to be mostly ignoring the procession as the pelicans paraded by, but in the second photo two storks appeared to be acknowledging the pelicans with a wings up salute which I’m sure was greatly appreciated. Notice also the pink marsh mallow flowers in the background which of course always serve to wonderfully accent the pink color of the spoonbills.

Oh and I know what most of you are thinking…these are nice enough pictures but what about Mr. A, what was he doing during the parade? Well not to worry, our pal was hanging with me on the near side of the pond with the rest of the cool group. 😉 😀

Having Fun?

Last week I noticed this great egret rapidly diving down toward the water in the marsh pond. Egrets are wading birds, they don’t normally hunt by flying, swooping, or diving into the water to catch fish. But this bird did not seem to be fishing. In fact it didn’t even stop… the egret splashed around while still running and skipping at the water’s surface until finally lifting off again and flying away. It looked to me like it was simply having a good time and enjoying life! Of course having the ability to fly makes it all the more fun I’m sure. 🙂

Coming In Low And Fast

Last week I was watching this osprey as it hunted for fish above the marsh pond. Often the osprey will dive almost straight down feet first into the water in it’s attempt to snag a fish. This one though, tried a slightly different technique…coming in low and fast just above the surface of the water torpedo bomber style.

By the time the osprey came out of the water and I managed to catch back up with the bird as it was gaining altitude further across the pond… I could see it caught no fish on this attempt. Still, the technique appeared to be a solid method that I’m sure will result in many successful catches for this amazing bird of prey.

Sometimes It’s Best To Just Move…

Earlier this week our pink spoonbill friend was feeding in the salt marsh at low tide and minding his own business. There were other birds in the area as well, which is typical, and they all mostly get along and try not to get in each other’s way. But at one point spoonie encountered a snowy egret that apparently decided it would not step aside as the spoonbill passed by in the shallow water, and felt the need to get all fluffed up about it. This did not go over well with spoonie at all and he proceeded to explain to snowball that he just better get out of the way if he knows what’s good for him. The snowy got the message and not only got out of spoonie’s way, but left the area entirely!

Count The Alligators

This morning I was quite surprised to see a good size group of alligators all enjoying a quiet nap together. I don’t normally see alligators getting along with each other all that well, and I certainly don’t normally see a large group practically laying on top of one another with no huge arguments breaking out!

I watched them for almost an hour and they would move around a bit, stretch and lift up their heads on occasion, and that was the extent of the activity. They all pretty much stayed in their designated spot the entire time until one finally decided it was too crowded and felt the need to leave the group. Naturally the only way you can do that is to rudely walk right across your friend’s back.

So how many alligators can you count?

Mr. Alligator’s Big Dinner

Earlier this week I was walking along the edge of the marsh pond when I saw our friend Mr. A strike at the water and come up with a good size fish. After a few crunches, the fish was down the hatch and he enjoyed a nice evening meal!