Phil Lanoue Photography

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.

Quiet Reflection

Yesterday evening, as both the day and the sun were winding down, this tricolored heron enjoys a quiet moment alone in the marsh.

No Big Deal

A group of wood storks seem unconcerned and unimpressed as a young alligator slowly glides through the pack yesterday evening in the marsh pond.

Study In Behavior And Movement

Great Blue Herons have always been one of my all time favorite birds. I find them to be very interesting and observing and photographing their behavior can often be quite enjoyable.

One thing I have learned is that GBHs love the sound of their own voice. They usually feel compelled to ‘talk’ about everything, and sometimes it appears (at least to us) that they are talking about nothing at all. They particularly like to announce their arrivals and departures. I can hear that distinctive voice behind me and don’t even have to turn around to know one is inbound.

On this particular morning I was watching this individual casually strolling around the marsh with no apparent particular purpose. But once he opened that big yap and gave me that lean forward posture, I knew he was planning to leave the area. The heron took a step, got into a pre-launch position, and blasted off leaving behind only a splash. It took one more slight touch to get that big body fully airborne but quickly he was up and on his way.

I kept watching the bird as he made his way across the marsh and just prior to landing all the way on the other side, he did not disappoint. I heard that loud cackling call announcing his incoming arrival to everyone and no one.

One Lone Spoonbill

For about the past two weeks, all we have had in the marsh area is this one lone spoonie all by his lonesome. All his friends have left, so at this point we figure our remaining pink visitor will either leave soon as well, or some of his friends may return. That second option is what we are hoping for, especially since we had two or three stay until mid November last year.

For now at least I was happy to have had the opportunity on a recent afternoon to spend about an hour with our pink loner.