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.
“Don’t Do It Woody!”
I got the feeling right away when I saw this wood stork carefully watching an alligator glide along in the salt marsh that the stork might have some wacky idea in mind.
I knew I was on to something when I saw Woody start to follow directly behind the gator. I have seen birds do this before, they will shadow an alligator hoping to scoop up panicked fish that get stirred up by the gator. But I did not really expect Woody to reach over and take a little bite out of the tip of the gator’s tail! Woody waited until the gator ducked his head under the water to grab some fish and then went for it.
Lucky for the wood stork the alligator ignored the indiscretion (this time) and just continued on about his business.
Evening Jump
Earlier this week a spoonbill jumps off from the salt marsh during low tide. This is one of our recent arrivals.
We now have a total of 15 spoonies in and around the marsh area which breaks the old record of 11 set back in 2009 and last year!
Happy Heron
On a recent afternoon in the salt marsh I saw this great blue heron pluck himself a nice eel out of the water. He was so proud and happy with his catch that he proceeded to parade the eel around, walking back and forth holding on tight to his prize.
At one point he walked by a feeding spoonbill that appeared totally unimpressed with the heron’s performance.
Oh well, no matter, a nice lunch was still had by the prancing GBH!
Always Great To See Crab On The Menu
Earlier this week our good buddy Mr. A was cruising the salt marsh seafood buffet. He quickly went for the fresh crab which I know is his favorite. I think he likes the crunch of a blue crab best!
He certainly looked pleased and satisfied with himself in that last photo, so I know he will be back soon for another visit to this fine dining establishment.
Two Leave…Two Stay
Two juvie spoonbills jump off and leave the salt marsh earlier this week, while two adult spoonies remain behind to watch the departure.
“Hey…That’s MY Routine!”
One day last week I noticed this great blue heron standing in the reeds at the edge of the salt marsh and I could tell from his body posture he was up to something. Sure enough, out came the wings forming what appears to be a collection dish shape in what we call the ‘flashing’ pose.
From what I understand, it is a method some birds will use to thermoregulate their body temperature.
But a short time later when a wood stork landed nearby and started to strike a similar pose, the GBH got all upset and vocal while letting Woody know that he was copying the whole routine!
Busy Weekend!
We had a very active weekend over at the marsh. On Saturday, ten spoonbills arrived and they began feeding together as a group in the salt marsh! In the second group photo you can see the deer antler sticking up out of the water as the tide was still falling.
Our injured friend was among the group and I am happy to report that he is doing much better and continues to feed and fly normally. We saw him flying all over the place this weekend and at one point he even got into a small scuffle with another spoonie.
Then yesterday we had eight white pelicans show up in the marsh pond. They started out standing around in a group with the wood storks, but eventually began to slowly float back and forth hunting for fish. A spoonbill watches some of the big pelicans with a curious look in his eye as it’s possible he has never seen these large birds before.
And of course I can’t forget our good pal Mr. A who at times like this tends to get a bit lost in the shuffle. With all the excitement about the spoonbills he was not commanding his usual attention and those consequences won’t be good for anybody. But he was also active (well at certain times) this weekend keeping an eye on everything and everyone and also managed to get in a little fishing.
Yes indeed, very busy weekend for us all!
Brief Disagreement
Yesterday evening, just prior to sunset, we had two new spoonbills show up in the salt marsh during low tide. The pair found a nice spot to feed, but at one point a little snowy egret must have done something to aggravate the spoonbill on the right because he really let snowball have it!
The incident was over quickly though, and the spoonies continued on with their business as if nothing happened. I suspect that snowball, being a bit more high strung, will take a while longer to get over it!
Phil Lanoue Photography 