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.
The Patented Anhinga Fish Flip!
Earlier today I was watching this anhinga fishing in the marsh pond. The anhinga is one of my all time favorite bird actions to observe and photograph.
Anhingas swim under water and spear the fish on the end of their very sharp bills, and then they flip the fish off launching it airborne and catching it head first on the way down. These incredibly skilled and athletic birds never fail to amaze and entertain!
Last Fish For The Night
Egret snags one last fish out of the marsh before calling it a night. I guess somebody had to be last and this poor fish was the unfortunate victim.
The One That Got Away
This tricolored heron was doing some evening fishing in the salt marsh recently when a fish he had been stalking swam off to escape it’s frightful demise. You can see the ripples in the water made by the lucky fish as it made a quick exit. Those ripples also give kind of a melting look to the heron’e eye.
Who’s Watching Who?
Monday afternoon I was watching this egret fishing along the edge of the marsh pond when an alligator came floating into the scene.
Now…we had the egret watching the gator…the gator watching the egret…and me watching them both…
We all ended up getting along just fine though, I never jumped in and bothered either one of them!
Jump Off
Here is our recent spoonbill visitor jumping off from out of the salt marsh on one of the last sightings I had of him. We haven’t seen the spoonie for over a week now and it’s likely he’s left the area. Typically we get some pink arrivals at the end of June or early July, but we remain hopeful that this very brightly colored bird will return even sooner.
Looking Back
This Forster’s Tern takes one look back as he zips off across the salt marsh as evening approaches. Forster’s Terns are super fast and erratic flyers, and I can go dizzy trying to follow them as they swoop and dive for small fish! This adult also has his orange breeding bill color.
Stilts Are Back
A few days ago we once again had a visit in our area from this lovely pair of Black-necked Stilts. I really enjoy seeing these long legged beauties traverse the shallow water of the marsh in search of tiny fish and other tasty marine crustaceans.
Sunset Flight
This past week I saw this egret flying across the marsh pond which was lit by setting sunlight.
And of course the scene wouldn’t be complete without ‘you know who’ gliding by in the background…
Phil Lanoue Photography 