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.
Spoonbills Did Arrive But…
Yesterday afternoon we had four roseate spoonbills show up in the marsh pond right on time! Last year on June 29 five showed up and then yesterday on June 29, we had these four arrive exactly right on the same day.
The spoonies stayed in a far back corner of the pond until early evening when they all took off at once and did one huge long circle around the entire marsh area. I was only able to get these flight shots from a considerable distance because once they settled down it was again at the far back edge of the pond and also too far away for photos.
The bad news is that they could not be found anywhere in the marsh area this morning or early afternoon so far, and it’s possible they were just passing through. I will continue to check in hopes that they or some of their friends return and hopefully stay through the summer.
“Just Don’t Get Any Crazy Ideas”
A great egret stares down this young alligator in the salt marsh yesterday evening. The egret was fairly sure the gator was only interested in snacking on some fish, but was keeping a close watch anyway in case the youngster got any funny ideas.
A wading bird like this egret will often be attracted to an area where an alligator is feeding because the gator will get the fish all stirred up and in a panic which makes the fish easier to grab.
Evening Meal
Last night I was watching this anhinga fishing in the marsh pond. Not sure if this is a female or a juvenile but it was quite skilled at catching fish. I saw it catch several in just a short amount of time, and all while dodging alligators that were floating around in the area
‘Tweener’
One of my all time favorite bird patterns is the little blue heron “tweener” phase. This is the in between time when the bird is transitioning from an all white juvenile, to an all blue adult. I particularly admire the checkerboard patchwork of blue and white that the heron is displaying during what may possibly be considered an adolescent period.
So yesterday I was quite pleased to see this tweener come flying in across the salt marsh. I hoped that an adult might also fly into view in the same area so that I could show the difference and sure enough…within a short amount of time an adult little blue also flew in across the marsh.
Mister Casual
Earlier this week I saw this young alligator peeking his little head up at the edge of the salt marsh. He was quite cool, calm, and collected for a youngster. After looking around for a few minutes he just casually stepped out onto the path and took a nice slow afternoon stroll.
Small Fish For Big Bird
This afternoon we watched a couple of wood storks feeding in the salt marsh during low tide. A fish this size might not look like much for a large stork, but if Woody eats enough of them he will be full and happy!
Quick Breakfast
A great blue heron knocks back a quick snack after plucking this fish out of the marsh this morning.
Nice Day For Fishing
Earlier this afternoon I spotted this alligator fishing in the salt marsh. Alligators don’t live in salt water but they will visit on occasion if they get the idea that all the nice tasty fish must be there.
In the third photo you can see the big guy under the water with his mouth open and there are several fish swimming right above him.
Just as I was leaving, he came over to say hello which I thought was rather nice of him. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 