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.
Two Pelicans
We had quite a few brown pelicans fishing in the marsh this afternoon.
Here is an adult doing a hopping lift off, then about five minutes later this juvenile came flying in. Although they are called ‘brown pelicans’ only the young ones are truly brown. As adults they get a white and yellow head and brighter colored wing feathers.
They are a lot of fun to watch as they splash and dive their way back and forth along the water’s edge.
Quick Sidestep
Last night we had a good size crowd of egrets all fishing together in the salt marsh at the same time.
Except… not very much actual fishing was taking place. Mostly what they were doing was squawking and fussing at each other.
At one point an egret got jumped by another and it looks like the bird on the right had his wings going in one direction, while his head and feet were simultaneously going in a different direction.
It was entertaining out there but quite loud as well with all the noise this group was making!
Reflective Snowys
This past week we had some snowy egrets relaxing and preening in the marsh just prior to sunset.
The air was calm with no breeze making the water still with a reflecting mirror effect.
All photos were taken within about 20 minutes of each other.
Fun With Wood Storks
Some say wood storks have a face only a mother could love. In some respects I suppose that could be true, they are not the most attractive looking birds out there. But over the years I have grown rather fond of these large ungainly birds and have begun to appreciate their unusual appearance.
Here are a few different shots from the past week or so. The first two pictures are of a juvenile wood stork while the last two are an adult.
The last photo is a nice close up view of that unique face.
Bath Time
Earlier this weekend we peeked in on an ibis who was vigorously engaged in bathing.
Once he spotted me he kind of gave me a look as if to say… “Would you mind?” 🙂
Splashing Around
Yesterday afternoon we had a large group of juvenile brown pelicans invade the marsh. They spent the entire day flying and diving and splashing all over the place.
It almost seemed like they were practicing for when they grow up to be adults and will do much of their fishing out over the ocean.
But for now, like kids everywhere, these young pelicans were just having a great time playing in the water!
Hop, Skip, And A Jump
Hooded Mergansers are my all time favorite duck. They are fun to watch and comical in appearance, almost like nature’s little joke on us all. If someone tried to invent a cartoon duck from another planet, hoodies are what they would look like.
Yesterday afternoon I saw this male hoodie floating along quietly but I could tell just from looking at him that he was not going to stay put for long. Hooded mergansers can be very skittish and within a few seconds this little guy was off and running. And then of course finally flying.
For kind of goofy looking ducks, hoodies are extremely fast flyers and this little fellow zipped by me in an instant.
I always enjoy any chance I get to watch and photograph a hoodie because they never fail to entertain and amaze!
Almost Done With Dinner
Yesterday afternoon I spotted this osprey sitting high up in a pine at the edge of the salt marsh. It wasn’t until I got a closer look that I realized he had just about finished his dinner.
The entire front portion of the a fish had been removed and consumed, all that was left was a bit of mid and tail section.
In a blink though, the osprey was off and had taken his leftovers along with him.
Phil Lanoue Photography 