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.
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.
Sliding In On A Friend
This afternoon in the salt marsh a cormorant dramatically arrived on his skis when he noticed his friend floating along in the same spot.
Besides the cormorants, we had a pair of pelicans out fishing that annoyed a blue heron to no end. But such is life out there when everyone is hungry.
A Particularly Exciting Catch
On a recent afternoon over at the salt marsh I was watching this great blue heron on the hunt for a late lunch.
Once he struck at the water and I saw those big wings go up I knew he was on to something. And sure enough, that excited look on his face told the whole story, he had himself a whopper!
Normally these guys will drop the wings (if they ever even put them up) and just get right to business. But this blue heron seemed so pleased with his fresh caught meal the he kept right on flapping.
The last I saw he was headed back into the reeds with his prize to enjoy it in privacy, but not until after putting on a great show!
“Is This A Private Parade Or Can Anyone March In It?”
On a recent afternoon in the marsh pond we had a group of white pelicans all arranging themselves in a nice line.
By the second picture, the parade had picked up an extra marcher.
Phil Lanoue Photography 