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.
These Windy Days Can Be Tough On A Girl’s Hair!
It has been very windy here the past few days and this snowy egret was really having a tough time keeping her hair in place yesterday in the salt marsh. Of course snowys have been known to fluff up for almost any reason or occasion, it’s just part of their personality. But when you add in a stiff breeze the feathers really start flying!
Northern Shoveler
This afternoon we were pleased to see a northern shoveler duck in the marsh pond. It was hanging around with a group of four blue-winged teals which are much more common in our area. Since we see these shoveler ducks only occasionally, it was nice that this one stayed around with his teal friends for some photo opportunities rather then taking off at the first sight of annoying photographers. The northern shoveler has a rather interesting looking spoon shaped bill that it often has angled down straining water as it feeds.
Bald Eagle Morning
This morning we were out in the salt marsh hoping to see a roseate spoonbill that was reported to be in the area. We never did see the spoonie but we noticed that one of our pair of mated bald eagles was flying far out along the tree line carrying some branches. So apparently they have decided to do some home improvements and enlarge the small nest we had previously seen them sitting in and around.
We saw one of them fly off toward the north and we assumed it was heading out to pick up some more building supplies. But after a short while that eagle unexpectedly came swooping in from another direction and dived bombed an area fairly far out in the marsh. I lost it in the tall reeds but figured it likely had spotted a fish and went in to grab it. But when I saw a great blue heron come busting up out of the reeds I quickly realized what (I thought) the eagle was up to. Bald eagles will often try to steal fish from birds like the blue heron and I figured that’s what was going on here. But when they both got airborne and I saw that neither one had a fish I got suspicious. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw the eagle dive bomb another blue heron. The eagle was not trying to snatch fish, it was just being a big pain in the neck and harassing the other birds! Why? Because it can. Those eagles can be bullies! After he finished bothering some of the other marsh residents, he flew off…possibly in search of more building materials!
Sunset At The River
This was tonight’s sunset at the Waccamaw River here in the coastal South Carolina area. The second photo was taken with the 8mm lens.
“I Didn’t Order The Oysters!”
This afternoon I was watching an egret fishing in the salt marsh. At one point he came up with a nice fish but I noticed he also scooped something else to go along with his fish. I realized it was half an oyster shell. Maybe the egret was annoyed that someone else had already beaten him to the oyster, because he promptly sent it back. He certainly seemed quite pleased with his main course however, as it was cheerfully consumed and clearly there would be no leftovers!
Working The Marsh
Last week I was watching this green heron as it was stalking in and around the dried reeds in the salt marsh. Once it spotted a fish, the little greenie would step out into the water and grab it. These colorful and clever birds are always a treat to watch as they become quite focused on the task at hand and often pay no attention at all to me. But that’s how I like it!
Wood Storks In Love?!
Earlier this week I noticed this pair of wood storks close together in the salt marsh at low tide. At first they both seemed to be just fishing, then I saw that they were getting more than a little friendly. When I saw that they apparently started grooming each other I had to move in for a closer look. Yes…these two sure looked like they were in love. It must be Spring!
Tonight’s Sunset: Now With 40% more Alligator
Here’s tonight’s sunset at the marsh pond, but what is that in the lower right corner? Why it’s none other then our old pal Mr. Gator! Looks like he was chomping on something too. Dinner with a sunset view, what could be better?!
Phil Lanoue Photography 