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.
“I’ll Have The Shrimp!”
Late this afternoon, just as I was about to leave for the day, I saw this egret in the salt marsh come up with a huge shrimp.
This was not just the biggest shrimp I ever saw a bird catch in the salt marsh, it was the biggest shrimp I ever saw anywhere!
The egret must have struggled with that shrimp for a good 20 minutes, but sure enough, he got it swallowed and down. I’m guessing this was the most shrimp that egret ever ate at one time.
Talk about a shrimp platter… that shrimp was as big as a platter. 🙂
BIG Mouth, Tiny Catch
A brown pelican fishing in the salt marsh this afternoon knocks back a tasty, but very tiny, tidbit. If you look close you can see a little bitty minnow inside that huge pelican pouch. 🙂
Still At It
Even though the day was winding down, an egret was still out there in the marsh pond fishing for one last meal.
I watched as the bird struck at the water, which was warmed by setting sunlight, with no success. As he continued along on his way, the egret was walking toward me into the darker area of the pond to finish out his day.
Lots Of Oysters But Nothing To Eat
A white ibis was hard at work on a recent afternoon looking for a meal among the oyster beds in the salt marsh during low tide.
He picked around all sides of the oysters but didn’t find anything worthwhile to eat.
Finally the ibis gave up the hunt and at first I thought he must be disappointed, but actually he looked fairly pleased to continue on to the next area where surely a tasty treat awaited.
Heavy Landing
When I saw this brown pelican come dropping by for a close in landing this past week, I realized they are quite large birds.
They just really look bulky and heavy.
Just Before Leaving…
On an early evening last week I was headed home from the salt marsh when I noticed a distinctive flight pattern far back out over the reeds.
A harrier hawk was doing his thing flying (or flitting) just above the tops of the reeds and I managed to grab off a quick shot as he was heading off after finishing his patrol.
Minutes later this great blue heron came gliding in low over the water, giving me at least something to show for the day.
Starting To Get Colorful
We had a few of the active and always entertaining tricolored herons out fishing in the salt marsh this afternoon.
They may be getting into breeding condition soon as some are looking rather colorful. Once their bill turns a royal blue we will know for sure.
Nice Dive!
This brown pelican was having himself a great time yesterday in the salt marsh. He would float along quietly and then suddenly, without warning, he would burst up out of the water and do a swan dive down for some fish. They were mostly catching tiny fish from what I could see, which kept them busy for quite a while.
Fun to watch these big birds feed.
Phil Lanoue Photography 