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.
Greenie Fishing
Yesterday afternoon we saw this green heron fishing at the side of the salt marsh. Green herons are colorful, stocky little birds and can be very entertaining to watch as they stealthily stalk their prey along the water’s edge. This guy was apparently quite skillful as we saw him snatch several small fish out of the marsh!
Kite Flying
This past Sunday afternoon we were treated to a very quick look at a Swallow-tailed Kite as it zipped by us overhead above the salt marsh. The Swallow-tailed Kite is listed as an endangered species in South Carolina and considered to be of highest conservation concern throughout it’s breeding range in North America. In addition, it is strongly suggested that we report sightings of Kites to The Center For Birds Of Prey here in South Carolina and this one has been reported. The Swallow-tailed Kite is a sleek, elegant, black and white hawk with a long forked tail and if you notice, this one is carrying something that as best as I can tell appears to be a small green snake. Snakes are one of it’s prime food sources so that is quite possible.
Morning Walk
Yesterday morning we were out by the swamp and as usual at this time of year you have to keep an eye open for whoever and whatever might come creeping up out of the brush. I noticed a bit of movement on the marsh pond side and then saw a nose, and ultimately a big face coming up to peek out to take a look around. So our old friend Mr. Gator had decided to walk up out of the marsh and stroll on into the swamp by crossing a paved path that separates the two. Before beginning his short journey however, he took a little time to rest his chin on the path before continuing on. I don’t think he was really all that tired, but on such a beautiful morning as this…what’s the rush?!
There Goes The Neighborhood
This afternoon in the salt marsh a great egret had a nice fishing spot all to himself. Then IT happened…It starts innocently enough, a few snowys show up and start working your area. But the snowys rarely limit it to just a few…so the next thing you know there are yet more of them. A short time later and it’s a total mob scene! Notice how in the last photo the egret appears to have given up and is hanging his head dejectedly?! So that was the end of the poor egret’s quiet day of fishing, the snowy invasion had begun!
Baby Boy Is Growning Up
For the past three seasons we have been following the progress of the “baby” of the pond. We know it’s him because he is always in the same area of the marsh pond kind of tucked away in a corner away from the bigger alligators. So we were thrilled earlier this week to once again see the little guy out patrolling his private section of the pond in the shallow water among all the pond weeds.
But…it looks like our baby boy is getting bigger! What was once an 18 inch tyke, is now close to a five foot young adult. Of course most of that is tail but it’s good to know he has been thriving and some day soon should break out on his own among the big boys and claim a piece of territory and possibly compete for a mate.
Well I Guess These Terned Out OK
Earlier this week I was watching Forster’s Terns fishing in the salt marsh. These birds are likely the most challenging subject I photograph. Forster’s Terns fly EXTREMELY fast! They will occasionally hover over a spot searching for a fish but then go into a very rapid headfirst dive if they see one. They also jet around in random zig zag patterns which can easily make my head spin trying to follow them and hopefully get one in the frame and in focus. I am constantly switching back and forth between finding one in the air with my own eyes, then trying to reacquire it in the camera, then trying to keep up with it as it zips along, then attempting to take the picture at the right moment and…well you get the idea. It can indeed be frustrating but also can be rewarding if I ever do succeed in catching one in action and especially with a fish in it’s mouth as the real bonus!
Other then their super fast flying style they are quite pretty and interesting birds. Notice their long forked tails and the silver/grey ‘frosting’ on their wings. They also frequently fly with their head’s pointed down toward the water, always in search of a meal. As opposed to gulls, these terns do not linger or swim in the water, it’s a quick in and a quick out then back to work in the air!
“He Thinks He’s So Big And Tough”
This morning I was amused to see these two snowy egrets standing quietly in the salt marsh during low tide as a great blue heron marched by in front of them. The poor little snowys were doing their best trying to look confident and self-assured as the much larger heron strolled along…but I thought they looked just a bit nervous and intimidated. The blue heron of course pays them no mind as he has the important business of catching fish to occupy his attention and the snowys are no competition for this big guy!
Afternoon Ospreys
Yesterday afternoon there were three ospreys circling around above the marsh in a bright blue sky mixed with huge fluffy white clouds. I never saw a single one catch a fish. In fact, among the various egrets, great blue herons, pelicans and cormorants, I didn’t see anybody catching fish. Well, except for the super fast forster’s terns that were quickly zipping by and diving down to scoop up some sort of little green fish. The tide was going out and I suspect that all the fish had already moved on out with the tide leaving behind a disappointed group including these ospreys.
Phil Lanoue Photography 