Phil Lanoue Photography

February Flights

In keeping with the tradition I started many months back…I am once again posting a collection of flight photos for the month. None of these flight shots which were all taken in February have been previously posted, and this is the first time any of them have seen the light of day.

Bald Eagle

Brown Pelican

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Juvenile White Ibis

Tricolored Heron

Late Afternoon Flight

This past weekend we had rain and cool temps for Friday and Saturday but then it was back to warm and sunny for Sunday. We figured the nicer weather would bring out many of the usual crowd to the salt marsh and we were correct. We saw great egrets, snowy egrets, white ibis, brown pelicans, all types of little shore birds, and even a bald eagle or two.

At one point this great blue heron was seen jetting across the marsh in a purposeful manner. Often the blue herons feel compelled to announce their arrival or departure with a loud squawking sound, but this one must have been on a serious mission. It was silent the entire trip, which means it was likely heading to either a really good fishing spot or possibly on it’s way to chase off a competitor!

They Are So Cute When They’re Sleeping

Last week I came upon this alligator that was snoozing contentedly in the swamp. It had found a nice comfy spot in among the soft green swamp weeds to take it’s afternoon nap. I guess he heard me rustling around there at the edge of the swamp because he lifted up his head just a bit, opened up his eyes and took a look at me. I felt bad that I had disturbed his rest, and he gave me a look as if to say…”oh it’s you again, that pesky photographer. Can you please keep it quiet so I can sleep?!”

I gave him his wish… after grabbing a couple of quick shots I moved on and left him dozing in his special spot. I didn’t go back to check on him, but I’m quite sure he went right back to sleep!

Snowys Being Snowys

Once again last week I was witness to yet more snowy egret bickering. As is often the case, one snowy is generally incapable of getting along with another snowy. I have seen one fly clear across the marsh to chase off a bird who was simply minding it’s own business and not bothering anyone. Well, not bothering anyone except the snowy who took offense to having the mere presence of the other snowy in “his” marsh.

But so it goes in the always active, and never dull world of the snowy egret!

Everybody Loves Radar!

Since many of you enjoyed seeing the photos of our pal Radar with his big fish earlier, I thought it might be nice to show some of his friends that hang around with him in the marsh. A few days ago I saw Radar standing around in the salt marsh taking a break from fishing for a while. Apparently a few of his buddies had the same idea as he was soon joined by a juvenile white ibis on the left, and a little snowy egret. It is interesting to note the size difference among the three birds. The great egret (Radar) is obviously the larger of the group, with the snowy being the smallest. We often see that the different species of birds are able to get along well with each other as opposed to groups of egrets, that seem compelled to argue almost constantly.

For those of you who may have missed previous posts, “Radar” is the name we have given the great egret that has a transmitter pack attached to his back with two antennas sticking out. He is supposed to be part of a study regarding migratory habits of wading birds. However Radar does not seem to migrate all that much and may not provide a wealth of data.

Swooping In!

Last week I saw a gull snatch up a fish and go flying off with it, but the fish was too large for the gull to handle so he dropped it at the edge of the marsh. This attracted the attention of a bald eagle who immediately came swooping in seemingly out of nowhere. But the eagle arrived too late…a quick acting egret had already grabbed and swallowed the fish before the eagle could snag it. As you might expect, as soon as I saw the eagle come in, I focused my attention and my camera toward it rather then the egret. I got this shot right as the eagle arrived and you can see the disappointed gull in the background of the photo!

Ibis Crabbing

Yesterday afternoon we were watching some white ibis that were picking around in the salt marsh. The ibis will typically eat small fish, shrimp, and other marine crustaceans.

Here, this one ibis picked out a crab for itself and proceeded to crunch that down. The crab may have been rather tiny but the ibis seemed quite happy with it’s seafood snack!

Radar’s Big Score!

Some of you may remember seeing our pal “Radar” in previous posts here. That is the name we have given the great egret that has a transmitter pack attached to his back with two antennas sticking out. Apparently Radar is part of a study of migratory habits of wading birds such as egrets. However, since we frequently see Radar and know he does not travel around all that much, we’re not sure if he provides a lot of useful information!

Yesterday afternoon we were actually hoping the bald eagle pair would make an appearance, but we only saw one in a far off tree across the marsh and it never flew in close. Radar, however, was in close and he was actively fishing in the salt marsh during low tide. We can always tell when he is on to a fish because he gets all excited and does some amusing dance steps over to where he sees the fish. So when he began his dance routine, we were fairly sure he spotted something and turns out he sure did! Radar plucked himself a nice fish out of the marsh and after doing a short flight hop over to the near edge, he quickly swallowed down his catch. In the last photo you can see how just a small bit of the fish’s tail fin is visible as Radar’s throat and neck expands to fit his meal.

Radar did not move for 20 minutes after getting down that fish. But then soon after he went right back to fishing. We only saw him grab tiny fish and shrimp though after dining on his main course…after dinner snacks!