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.
Breakfast Treat
An ibis out feeding in the marsh this morning snatched himself out a nice tasty crab. It might be a small crab, but it still has that satisfying crunch the ibis love so much. 🙂
Showing The Kid Around
Recently, this pair of brown pelicans came swooping into the salt marsh area as if on a mission.
I could immediately tell it was an adult and a juvenile. Perhaps it was dad showing his boy around? 🙂
“Look down there son, that’s where we fish all the time.”
Bald Eagle Nest Renovations
Our local bald eagle pair is once again in nesting condition and we expect eggs followed by baby eaglets later in the winter.
But for now, the nest has to be made ready for the new arrivals and that means more nest building materials needs to be gathered and added.
This morning one of the eagles was sitting in his usual pine tree along side the salt marsh. He had been there for a while when he suddenly began to take interest in one small dead portion of tree branch.
He first started trying to snap the branch with his feet, but when that didn’t work he did something none of us had ever seen before. With the dead branch firmly grasped in one talon, he threw himself off the tree to the left presumably expecting the small piece of dead pine to come with him.
But when that didn’t happen, the eagle quickly found himself dangling from the tree by one foot, still holding tightly to the dead branch that he obviously wanted badly.
Finally, the branch snapped and gave way and the eagle was able to fly out across the marsh with a new section of nest material. I’m not sure if the new parent will feel it was worth all that effort, but I’m sure they will find a nice spot for it somewhere in the nest.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the marsh and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!Â
Morning Spear Fishing
An anhinga grabbed a quick breakfast to go this morning over at the marsh pond…Yummy!
December Alligators
Checked out the swamp earlier and found a few alligators out enjoying a fairly mild December morning.
Big Bubba seems to have snuggled down into a nice comfy nest he made among all the various swamp vegetation.
These two young gators appeared to be engaging in a playful game of King of the Mountain on a huge pile of dry reeds.
Gotta love December alligators! 🙂
Raise The Black! The Pirate Is Back!
So this afternoon we were out at the salt marsh watching a bald eagle that was sitting quietly in a pine tree up along the edge of the marsh.
Suddenly the eagle was alert, he spotted a prize! A prize that needed to be taken.
The marauding captain of the skies had seen a blue heron with a fish out there in the salt marsh and the sea rover wanted it.
He did two wide circles overhead of the innocent victim with the idea of spreading terror. (in fact in photo #4 you can see the wide eyed heron peering up from the reeds)
The rogue finally touches down, snatching the fish up from the mud where the hapless heron had given it up rather than do battle.You can see the muddy remains of the encounter clinging still to the bird’s feet and tail feathers like a badge of honor, but there would be no honor on this day.
Lifting off with the treasure firmly clutched in his steely jaws, the privateer sails back to the safety of his pine tree harbor where he can display and consume his stolen bounty. In his mind a job well done.
Stately Gentleman
I thought this blue heron at the salt marsh on a recent late morning looked rather distinguished.
He was alertly fishing but seemed to be doing it with style. 🙂
