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.
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.
A Little Night Fishing
Although it was close to sunset, this young tricolored heron remained alert in the marsh one day last week.
It often pays to keep your eyes open out there even as it begins to get dark. You never know when an evening meal opportunity will present itself.
Nice Day For A Flight
This past week a bald eagle decided to sit high up in a pine tree and enjoy some afternoon sun along with a panoramic view of the marsh.
The eagle must have spotted something because he didn’t stay in the tree for long. With a jump and a flap of those huge wings, this eagle was airborne and past me in a flash. From there it seemed to be an almost effortless glide with only minimal wing action required.
Nice day for a flight!
“Radar” At Sunset
Most of you know our good buddy Radar. He’s the great egret with the tracking antenna pack attached to his back. As always, Radar is head egret in charge of the marsh and keeps everybody including, the alligators, in line.
Last week as I was leaving for the evening, I saw Radar perched at the edge of the marsh enjoying his view. He was silhouetted by warm setting sunlight and as usual has a commanding appearance. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 