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.
Alligators As Art?
Earlier this week I was watching and photographing this alligator sloshing about the water while feeding in the salt marsh.
Although I got some of the standard shots of the big guy blasting around after fish and slowly stalking his prey at times, I also got a few shots that I thought may possibly show a more artistic side of our gator pal.
Looking almost straight down with the alligator beneath me, I got these photos which I feel displays a different sort of viewpoint then I typically present.
Are they artistic? Well, I’m not sure about that, the viewers can decide for themselves how the feel about and interpret these images.
I also realize I’m going out on a limb here by inviting people to consider how they might ‘feel’ about an alligator photo. 🙂
I Think We All Knew How This Was Going To End
I knew…the egret knew…and especially the fish knew how this would all turn out.
One happy egret, but not a good day at all for the fish…
Up To Something…?
On a nice, warm summer evening when the marsh area is lit by warm setting sunlight, you might think all would be calm and peaceful. But when I see a good size boy like this one making his way through the water with that sneaky yet purposeful look on his face, I just know he is up to something.
It’s best for all involved not to get quietly seduced by the overall pleasant scene because it could all change quickly.
Or… maybe our big friend here is also just out enjoying his nice evening and has no plans to create mayhem. Maybe…
Where’s Radar?!?
Many of you will likely remember seeing photos of our pal “Radar.” He is the great egret with the transmitter pack attached to his back with antennas sticking out.
He is has been a regular fixture over at the marsh for a few year years now and generally never goes far. Even if we don’t see him for a day or two he always eventually shows up to assume command over his area of operation.
But he has not been seen in a good three months now. We did get a report that he was spotted a month or so ago over at a rookery where egrets and other birds nest. So it is possible that our good buddy Radar found himself a lady and is now a daddy.
I strongly suspect though that once his family obligations are met he will return to his usual spots along the marsh and assume his regular duties of chasing off other birds.
More photos and adventures of Radar going back to the summer of 2012 can be seen here: https://phillanoue.com/category/radar/
Hopped Up
A great blue heron surprised me by suddenly jumping up out of the reeds in the salt marsh. I didn’t even know the bird was in there, and he reminded me of a pheasant being flushed out from the brush.
Not sure what the big rush was, but these guys never need an excuse to act impulsively.
Dropping In
An anhinga drops in over at the edge of the marsh for a quick visit. He had a surprised look on his face, but I never did find out what all the excitement was about. Normally it’s because some other anhinga or cormorant needs to be chased away from this particular location, however there were no other birds right there that I could see.
Only the anhinga knows for sure…
Sunset Cruise
On a recent evening an alligator cruises along the marsh with the water lit by warm setting sunlight.
Just 15 minutes later, as the sun sets further, the light and water color change from gold to red.
“This Is MY Spot!”
Yesterday afternoon there were a few egrets out fishing in the salt marsh among the oyster beds.
Suddenly one came swooping in and rudely chased off his friend. It’s not like there is only a tiny area to fish in, there is plenty of room for everybody. But not to these guys who take it personally when another bird invades ‘their’ spot!
Phil Lanoue Photography 