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.
“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!
Fast Food
An osprey zips across the salt marsh after plucking out a nice fresh fish. This osprey was clearly in a huge hurry and I suspect his concern was that a lurking bald eagle might swoop in and try to grab his lunch!
The last I saw of him, he was heading out over and past the tree line with no eagle in sight so…it looks like a speedy exit worked this time for the skillful osprey.
Hard Left Turn
This past weekend I was out looking over the salt marsh when I saw this great blue heron coming at a rapid pace. I thought he would land along the edge down from where I was standing but he suddenly took a hard left turn and zipped by right in front of me and continued on his way to the far side. I guess he saw something he liked over there, and did a quick mid course correction to get him to the new more attractive destination!
More Pelican Fun!
Those pelicans always seem to be up to something, and it’s often quite comical. This juvenile brown pelican dropped into the marsh right at the same time as a cormorant surfaced. The youngster seemed quite surprised and possibly even happy to see the cormorant and may have just found his new best friend!
I Don’t Think Mom Was In A Good Mood This Morning…
It was a beautiful, warm sunny morning today and I went over to the swamp to see if any alligators might be out enjoying the Spring weather. Upon initial arrival I didn’t see any gators at all, but when I went over to the area where mom had been keeping watch over her little ones this past fall, I found her tucked back in among the reeds.
At first she was just napping but after a short time she woke up and kind of glared at me. Perhaps she remembered me from a previous encounter where she was not extremely thrilled with me hanging around and pointing a camera at her babies.
But in any case I did not get the impression she was in a particularly happy mood despite the gorgeous weather. It could be that she is just hungry after not eating all winter, I know that would ruin my mood for sure!
Phil Lanoue Photography 