Phil Lanoue Photography

Big Guy Coming In

Right now most of the brown pelicans we see are flying around the beach area, but at certain times of the year they will come into the salt marsh at high tide to get some fishing done.

Breakfast To Go

An egret flies across the marsh with a fresh caught early morning meal.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to move over to a more quiet area where you are free to eat breakfast alone. Especially if there are other birds in the area (I’m talking to you Great Blue Heron!) that may have ideas of taking your meal away from you!

This Guy Has The Right Idea

Beautiful warm morning today and this alligator was wisely taking advantage of the gorgeous weather by soaking up the rays!

At first he was awake and taking a look around, but then closed his eyes and settled in for a long pleasant nap in the sun.

We should all be so lucky. 🙂

Just Going About Our Business

On a recent evening in the salt marsh, an egret, a spoonbill, and an alligator all keep busy hunting for dinner.

Neither the egret or the spoonbill were on the dinner menu for this young alligator however. He would more likely be after a nice crunchy crab or a mouthful of fresh fish.

Coming In Fast And Low

Earlier this month I spotted this osprey on a rapid descent toward the salt marsh coming in just above the reeds.

These birds have a perfect aerodynamic body shape for their style of hunting.

“What Are You Smiling At?!”

Earlier this weekend just as it was getting dark, this alligator did a slow float over to check me out before heading off for the night.

As he paused right beneath my location I saw that cute grin on his face. But in reality, I knew what the little sneak was up to.

If he sits there quietly for a bit with the lower part of his mouth open under the water, it’s possible a fish might swim right in and provide an opportunity for a little late night snack before turning in.

Not that I can blame him. Who doesn’t enjoy a tasty snack before bedtime?! 🙂

Spoonbill: Early Evening and Late Evening

Earlier this weekend our one lone remaining spoonbill was out in the marsh going about his business in the usual manner.

Although we have only seen the one in about three weeks now, this spoonie seems quite content with the area. He pals around with the wood storks, gets plenty to eat, and does not seem to miss any of his pink friends.

At one point I was watching him chasing down fish until it got to be late and the sun started to go down. As the setting sunlight cast a golden glow on the water, I took this silhouette photo of our pink visitor with the distinctive spatula shaped bill.