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.
You Never Know What May Come Creeping Out Of The Weeds!
Last night I was checking the area along the edge of the marsh pond when I saw this big fellow peeking his head out from the weeds.
Naturally I backed off and away, but when it started to walk out I decided to see if I could grab a few photos. I was a little surprised when it headed in my direction, so I quickly banged off several frames before retreating safely off to the side!
“Ok Guys, I Got Mine, I’m Out Of Here!”
Recently we were watching a group of great egrets fishing in the marsh pond. One of them caught a fish and decided it was likely wise to fly off and leave the area rather then risk loosing it to another egret.
So…not only did he leave with his catch, he snuck out behind his friends who were still busy trying to catch their own fish!
Green Heron At The Shrimp Buffet!
Last night just prior to sunset we were watching this Green Heron hunting at the edge of the salt marsh during low tide.
Normally we would expect to see a greenie to be on the prowl for fish and we did see this one catch a few fish, but fresh shrimp turned out to be the main course on this evening’s menu.
The heron must have plucked out at least a dozen shrimp in the time we were there watching. The action was to get even more interesting as the activity attracted several crabs to the water’s edge.
We could see the crabs lurking just under the green heron, presumably hoping the bird would lose one of the shrimp. At one point the crabs were chasing the bird along the marsh even making a grab at it’s feet in an attempt to distract the bird into dropping a tasty shrimp!
Great Egret At Sunset
A Great Egret flying above the marsh tonight silhouetted by the setting sun.
Alligator Fishing
Last night we were watching this alligator feeding in the marsh. Periodically it would lunge out and capture a large pocket of water in it’s mouth that the gator hoped would be full of small fish.
This would create a huge splash and often the gator could be seen gulping afterwards which meant it was successful on that attempt.
From the amount of fish we could see swirling and jumping all around it was clear that the alligator had plenty to eat, and it was taking advantage of the seafood menu!
Weekend Spoonbills
This past weekend we enjoyed watching two spoonbills feeding and preening in the salt marsh. It was mostly overcast conditions except for one brief moment when a spot of sun broke through the clouds and lit the spoonies with a nice warm sunset glow. As the tide came in they flew off to another section of the marsh and we followed. They obliged with just a few more photo opportunities until finally flying off to their night time roost.
The First Annual Eel Festival!
Last night in the salt marsh the Eel Festival was a tremendous success! All the birds were plucking out these little eels and no fish at all which is how it should be at Eel Festival.
Actually we were rather surprised as this is not normal to have so many eels come through all at once. The birds became totally focused on catching and eating the eels, although several did have to struggle quite a bit to get these slippery creatures down, as you might imagine. Some of you may recognize the great egret as our old pal “Radar”. He has a tracking transmitter pack attached to him with two antennas sticking out.
Radar is part of a study on migratory habits although we are not sure how much useful information he provides since he never really travels very much. But he was out enjoying his evening at Eel Festival along with the rest of the crowd!
Great Blue Heron with eel
Green Heron with eel
Juvenile White Ibis with eel
“Radar” with eel
Tricolored Heron with eel
Wood Stork with eel
Battle In The Salt Marsh!
It was an odd evening yesterday in the salt marsh among the oyster beds. Many of the birds seemed to be more interested in fighting and squabbling with each other then they were in fishing which is what they would normally be doing. The great egrets, for example, simply could not get along and were totally unwilling to allow another bird to occupy a nearby area. The egret on left in these photos charged in aggressively with the idea of running off the other bird. But the tables were soon turned as the chased became the chaser, who sent the vanquished intruder flying off over the oyster beds in disgrace.
Phil Lanoue Photography 