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.
‘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. 🙂
Anhinga Fly And Fish
This anhinga flew into the marsh this morning and spent a little time flipping up a few tasty fish. After lunch was over, she quickly took off in search of the perfect tree for an afternoon nap.
A Pleasant Late Evening Walk
Late last night just as we were leaving the marsh area I happened to take a quick glance to my left where I thought I saw something, ah, I mean someone, lurking in the weeds at the pond’s edge. Sure enough, it turned out to be our good buddy Mr. A who was just about to begin a happy evening stroll over to the salt marsh side.
He was taking his time and simply enjoying a pleasant summer evening. I watched as he made his way out onto the marsh mud at low tide and the last I saw of him he was heading farther back into the reeds where he will likely pick out a nice relaxing spot for himself.
The Kids Get Up Early
Juvenile Tricolored Herons are very colorful birds, and quite active as well. I photographed these youngsters on two different mornings and they were both on the go the entire time. Fishing and flying above the marsh were the main activities that kept the crimson hued young herons constantly active.
I guess just like kids everywhere, they have the energy to get a nice early start on their day, which can always provide the potential for another exciting adventure!
Phil Lanoue Photography 