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.
Closing In From Behind
On a recent afternoon out at the salt marsh, I saw a great blue heron flying just above the reeds and taking some serious evasive maneuvers.
The guy closing in from behind looked rather sinister to me and I believe I’m not the only one that decided he might be up to no good.
Since I was not the target of the hunt I didn’t actually have to leave, but our nervous GBH friend clearly figured it would be a great idea to quickly depart the premises.
Finding Shelter
It was cold out at the salt marsh this afternoon with a brisk wind that cut through you like a knife.
There was limited wildlife activity out there as most birds seemed to decide that optional flying was completely unnecessary and not a great idea.
So I was a little surprised when this tricolored heron suddenly dropped in, seemingly out of nowhere. The heron clearly was looking for a shelter from the wind and found it among the tall reeds out in the marsh. I was also impressed considerably by the approach and landing.
Gulp
A great egret from earlier this week has a bemused expression on his face since apparently the fish he just swallowed went down sideways and appears to be a bit stuck.
He eventually got it down fine but things were rather interesting for a few minutes.
Heading Back Home
We’ve had a group of white pelicans hanging around in the marsh pond lately. Mostly they paddle around back and forth following the cormorants who always seem to know exactly where the fish are located.
But as the day draws to a close, the pelicans will slowly head over to the ‘far off gator island’ which they are free to use since most of the alligators are done for the season.
Here they make there way across the pond as the late day back sun lighting adds some sparkle to the water.
Surprise Pop Up
Late today, just as we were leaving the salt marsh area, I caught some quick movement out of the corner of my eye. My first was…”what’s a squirrel doing down there?!?” But of course it wasn’t a squirrel, it was our pal the cute little mink scampering along among the dried reeds and oyster beds at the edge of the marsh.
At one point he hopped into the water, swam around for a bit (no doubt looking for a fish) then popped himself right back out again, easily dripping water off his coat.
In any case it was good to see our little buddy again. We just hope he knows enough to stay out of the nearby roadway.
There Is Still Work To Do
Earlier this week a great blue heron was seen gliding across the reeds in the salt marsh which was lit by warm setting sunlight.
We were all set to pack it in and head home, but this big guy clearly still had some important matters to attend to.
Big Turnout For The Weekend Convention
We had a quite a large crowd show up this past weekend for the wading bird convention.
Although only egrets, blue herons and wood storks were invited, a few white pelicans managed to crash the affair.
Everyone still seemed to get along fine and I heard rave reviews for the seafood buffet that was served at the event.
Happy Trio
We had a huge meeting in the marsh this afternoon (more on that coming up tomorrow) and this fine looking trio of white pelicans were involved for a while. But they soon decided to float off and check out the other side of the pond because the grass is always greener, or the fish are tastier; whichever.
Anyway on their way by…they stopped and posed for a brief moment in front of a couple of fluffed egrets that were bracing themselves against a brisk wind.
The pelicans then tightened up their formation and continued on along their journey.
Phil Lanoue Photography 