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.
“Just Thought I’d Ski In”
When the white pelicans were in recently they spent most of their time floating around the marsh pond scooping up fish. But occasionally one would decide he needed to immediately fly over to a different section. That action would peak the interest of another pelican who would assume this new spot must be where all the good fish are, and he needed to be there also.
That’s what happened here when the second pelican made a big show of water skiing over to join his friend. The new arrival failed to impress the friend however who just kept right on fishing. Realizing that was the best move anyway, the skier never missed a beat as he combined skiing with diving and immediately joined his buddy in some serious fishing.
Mr. And Mrs. Anhinga
Yesterday over at the marsh pond I saw this male and female anhinga in the classic wing drying pose. The male on the right is dressed in his typical all black attire, but also has the aqua blue/green eye ‘makeup’ which indicates breeding condition. Once they had their wings sufficiently dried, Mr. Anhinga decided it was time to leave with the lovely Mrs. following not far behind.
A bit later I saw another male perched nearby. He was also starting to get the breeding color around his eyes, but I didn’t see a mate so…he may still be single and looking!
Just Keep Moving…
The young, smaller alligator in the foreground suddenly found itself side by side with a much older and larger gator in the marsh pond. The youngster has to leave quickly, but not too quickly, because a fast sudden movement could be seen by the adult as a potential aggressive move. So the little guy has to swim…casually.
The little guy does not want to appear weak and afraid, but certainly has no intention to mount any type of challenge. So the right speed, and the right attitude is required to get by the adult alligator who likely sees this area as his personal turf.
Quick Exit
Early morning in the marsh pond and this great egret leaves in a hurry. In the first photo you can see a fish jumping just below and behind the egret’s feet. Look carefully in the bottom right corner of the second photo for a surprise appearance by you know who!
American Bittern
So who do I see come strolling out of the swamp yesterday but this American Bittern!? The bittern is not an extremely rare bird for us, but it is an uncommon and generally secretive bird. On the occasion I do get a glimpse of one, it is usually hidden back in the reeds where it blends it very well.
This one surprised me by coming out into the clear, offering an opportunity for a few photos. Once the bittern realized it was potentially spotted however, it stopped and went into it’s deceptive camouflage mode.
These birds will point their bills straight up making themselves as vertical as possible to blend in with the surrounding reeds and vegetation. Then they will rhythmically rock and sway back and forth to mimic the effect the breeze will have in slowly moving the nearby plants from side to side. This tactic, combined with the bittern’s natural coloration, often make it extremely difficult to see in the marshy areas it prefers to inhabit.
Snowys Being Snowys
As is typical…two snowy egrets can not get along and fish quietly together in the salt marsh. It’s not good enough to just chase off your friend, you have to take it to the air and continue to make your point. These guys rarely fail to put on an entertaining display!
As The Tide Comes In…
When winter turns the reeds out in the salt marsh dry and brown, the incoming tide often brings in a lot of broken sections of reeds which tend to collect in one corner area that’s kind of the end of the line for the tide.
Fish can sometimes congregate among these bits of floating reeds for the perceived feeling of protection they offer, and the birds know it. Where the fish go, so go the birds such as this great blue heron who skillfully and successfully stalked the area in search of a late evening meal.
They Grow So Fast
This past weekend I went over to the swamp to see if I could spot mom and any of her babies that she always had nearby at the end of last summer. Well I saw mom, she was all tucked backed into the reeds where you could barely see her, but of course she could easily spot me.
I only saw this one baby, although it’s going to get progressively harder to keep calling them babies as this one is already much longer then the last time I saw any of them. I was surprised, especially considering they don’t eat during the winter, and I had concerns they would even make it OK. Judging by this youngster, any of the former babies that did make it must be doing quite well!
Phil Lanoue Photography 