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.
Marsh Baby
Yesterday at early evening we saw this baby alligator (we call any gator 5 feet and under a “baby”) slogging his way along the salt marsh area at low tide. He made only a few half-hearted attempts at catching fish or crabs so we figured he was not interested in feeding and more then likely just wanted to get out of the salt water and back to his regular pond. This turned out to indeed be the case as he started slowly slinking up onto the mud and over to the edge of the marsh. After taking a brief look around the ‘baby’ climbed over the rocks and carefully ambled his way up out of the salt marsh and over to his pond.
Time Lapse At The Salt Marsh
Here is a 51 second time lapse video I took today looking over the salt marsh as the leftover storm clouds blew by giving way to a sunny day with bright blue skies.
Resourseful Anhinga
This morning started out with heavy rain but during a break between showers, we decided to go check out the marsh and see if anything was happening. There were quite a few alligators out swimming around which we expected. They always seem to like coming out after a rain for a swim in the nice fresh water. We also saw several anhingas flying around and I hoped one or two might drop in for some morning fishing which can be exciting and entertaining. The anhingas wisely prefer to pick out a spot in the pond to fish that is free of gators. I know just the corner that they like and sure enough one hopped in to start fishing. We saw it catch a few fish, including this one, so it was a successful morning for the resourceful anhinga!
Test Post…
Just using this late evening flight shot of an egret from this past weekend as a test. Starting yesterday my new blog posts were not showing up in WP Readers and no one was getting email or other notifications.
Testing to see if this situation continues today…
Well That’s Just Not Fair!
So now they are hiding in trees?!? Bad enough I have to watch my step, but now I also have remember to look up when walking around out there?! Peering past a tree in the swamp recently and guess who I see perched up on some reeds and brush? Yes indeed it’s our old pal Mr. Gator who happens to be blending in quite nicely I might add. What a sneak!
Don’t Give Me That Cute, Innocent Look!
A few days ago I was watching this alligator splashing around in the marsh trying to get the fish all stirred up so that he could munch down on a bunch of them. He did not come up with anything after this huge lunge and splash, but notice how in the very next frame he quickly turned himself around and gives me this coy, bashful look?! It’s almost as if he was saying…Who? What? Me? Oh I was just splashing around having a bit of fun and certainly not trying to scoop up all the nice little fishies or anything like that.”
With that expression on his face it’s tempting to believe him but we all know better, don’t we?!
Last Fish Of The Night
Earlier this week I was watching this great blue heron fishing at the edge of the marsh pond just prior to sunset. The heron was back lit by the setting sun which cast a yellow hue on the water, and on the fish. After catching this fish the great blue was ready to call it a night. The alligators will remain out there however, since they don’t mind hunting in the dark!
Marsh Skimmers
As promised earlier this week, here are some additional photos from when the black skimmer visited the marsh. Lit by evening setting sunlight, the skimmer put on an excellent show as it rapidly zipped along the salt marsh. Skimmers are really amazing birds and I am always excited to watch and photograph them as they ‘work’ the area skimming the water for fish.
Phil Lanoue Photography 