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.
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!
“Big Deal, I Can Do That”
A great blue heron appears to be showing off by making a dramatic fly by statement as the egret in the background looks on. The egret doesn’t appear to be tremendously impressed however, and likely feels he can do as good a job flying as the blue heron!
But in any case, the egret is probably just as happy that the great blue kept on going and didn’t try to take over his prime fishing spot in the salt marsh as often happens.
“Where Did It Go?!?”
This snowy egret appears completely flustered after losing sight of a fish in the salt marsh! I saw the fish too, and it quickly swam straight out and away from where the egret is standing, you can even see the trail the fish left in the water. Unfortunately for snowball however…he’s still looking down directly in front of him which is where the fish was…but not anymore!
Evening Portrait
As the sun begins to set, this great blue heron surveys the marsh one last time before heading off for his night roost…
Well Somebody Looks Happy!
The warmer Spring temps always bring out a few alligators who are anxious to soak up a little sun after a cold, grey winter. This young alligator seems quite happy to be out enjoying his day. I really liked how the bright blue sky is reflecting on his wet hide while the sunshine lights up his eye!
Phil Lanoue Photography 