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.
“OK, Everybody Clear Out!”
Earlier this weekend an alligator seems distressed to show up at his favorite morning nap spot to find it already occupied by a large group of egrets.
Since the birds were not inclined to vacate the premises, the gator had no choice but to lumber over and claim his spot anyway despite the noisy crowd.
Spoonbill Injury Update!
Well…we went over to the salt marsh early this evening hoping the injured spoonbill might show up for low tide and he sure did!
The good news is that he seems to be doing well. He was actively feeding and flying as normal which was an encouraging sign.
The bad news is that he did suffer a significant gash on the front area of his neck but we’re hopeful it will heal and spoonie will be back to 100% soon.
It also appeared that he may have given himself a bit of a bath and washed some of the dried blood off his feathers which was also good too see.
We thought he looked great for all he must have been through and we will continue to stay on top of our pink friend’s progress!
Injured Spoonbill
After not being seen in the area since last Sunday, our big pink friend returned to the marsh yesterday and we immediately noticed that he had suffered an injury. There are some fresh gashes around his throat and chest area. We suspect he got into it with someone (my guess would be a blue heron) and possibly got the worst part of the exchange.
Our concern was that the injuries would prevent him from catching food which could weaken him severely and lessen his chances for survival. But as we observed him for a while yesterday morning out in the salt marsh, he seemed to be able to feed, preen, and fly normally which was good news.
He did get along fine with all the other birds who were also out there going about their day doing the same things as spoonie.
Our hope is that the wounds will heal and he will have a full recovery from the injuries.
We are heading out shortly for low tide in the marsh to see if he is out there again and try to get an update on his condition and behavior.
Interesting Evening Visitor
Yesterday evening I was surprised to see this adult Black-crowned Night Heron come swooping in to the edge of the marsh near where I was standing. It’s unusual for us to have an adult night heron make an appearance in this area. We often see the youngsters out learning how to fish and survive, but the adults are generally much more secretive and elusive.
This guy seemed quite brave and was not at all intimidated either by my presence or any of the numerous alligators that were out last night cruising for an evening snack.
Although I saw quite a few fish jumping, and other birds were having success, I never saw this guy catch anything! He did appear very comfortable patrolling the edge of the pond area though, so I fully expect to see him again soon.
Wood Storks Get A Visitor
Yesterday afternoon the usual gaggle of wood storks had an unexpected and unusual visitor drop into their territory in the marsh pond.
An American White Pelican arrived and proceeded to swim back and forth in front of the wood stork lineup scooping up numerous fish.
It’s worthwhile to note the size difference between the two species. Wood storks are large birds but the white pelican makes them look medium sized at best, while the tricolored heron in the fourth photo looks tiny compared to our pelican friend.
As the afternoon went on… more arriving wood storks did not faze the pelican and at one point some of the wood storks even appeared to be showing the big guy some respect!
Hungry? I Think So
This alligator feeding in the salt marsh last week appeared quite purposeful in pursuit of it’s evening meal.
I suspect he was trying to gulp down some unfortunate fish, and I strongly suspect he was successful!
Odd Place To Perch
This past Saturday evening I arrived at the salt marsh to find our spoonie friend perched atop something sticking up out of the mud.
At first I thought he was just standing on an old skinny bit of stump, of which there are many out there. But…turned out he was standing on the antler of a deer skeleton!
The large buck died last Spring and it’s skeletal remains are partially visible still, but only at low tide.
Before Dinner Walk
Most everyone has heard of, or possibly taken, a pleasant after dinner walk. However… this past Saturday evening, an alligator decided to take a delightful little before dinner stroll to the salt marsh to grab a nice fresh seafood meal.
All I can say is, it works for me. If that’s what makes him happy, that’s what makes everybody happy. Well, everybody except the fish and crabs of course. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 