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.
Grabbing An Early Dinner
A Great Blue Heron stopped by the salt marsh yesterday for a quick early dinner. The tide was low and still going out and this unfortunate fish must not have been paying attention…but the heron sure was!
“See Anything?” “No, Not Yet”
Little Blue and Snowball were hunting this afternoon among the oyster beds in the salt marsh during low tide. The little blue heron was there first and perhaps the snowy egret thought the heron had found some hot fishing area so he decided to join the little blue.
They did have some success, and each ended up catching quite a few small minnows and shrimp. One interesting aspect of these birds is that little blue herons are all white as juveniles and look almost identical to snowy egrets.
Weekend Snacking
Weekends are often a great time for many of us to enjoy some tasty snacks. This past weekend I watched an anhinga taking full advantage of snack time by spearing, and then flipping some small fish snacks into the air and then catching them on the way down.
The anhinga is a bird who knows how to turn snack time into fun time!
A New Addition To The Team!
Some of you will remember seeing the egret and blue heron from last week performing their synchronized flying maneuvers in the salt marsh.
Well we now have two new members of the squad. These brown pelicans recently auditioned and after displaying their technical flying expertise they were immediately asked to join the team and will soon be heading out on the tour!
Foggy Day At The Marsh
The fog rolled in thick off the ocean this afternoon and quickly shrouded the marsh pond in a misty haze. The fog didn’t stop our alligator buddy from parking himself along the edge of the pond and hoping the sun would pop back out.
The first three pictures I took with a cell phone camera, but I used the telephoto for the close up shot of our unhappy friend who never got to enjoy any sunshine today.
In the second picture you can barely see that there is another alligator laying on a small piece of land out in the pond.
Spring Wild Flowers
People are often after me to branch out and try something a little different from the usual birds and alligators I normally post. Flowers were a consideration, so with that in mind, I thought this nice array of colorful wildflowers growing along the edge of the marsh pond might make a welcome and pleasant change!
Afternoon Spear Fishing
Earlier today I was watching this anhinga plucking small fish out of the marsh pond. The anhinga is a water bird that fishes by swimming under water and spearing fish on the end of it’s very sharp bill. This guy caught three or four of these fish before hopping out to dry off his wings.
All That Hard Work And Practice Really Paid Off!
I’d been hearing so much about the new synchronized flying team made up of a great blue heron and a great egret and was hoping to see them in action. Well the chance finally came when they put on this exhibition in the salt marsh. They have the technique down perfectly and they absolutely nailed the landing!
These two really put on a terrific show and if they should come to a town near you I strongly recommend checking them out, you will not be disappointed.
Phil Lanoue Photography 