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.
Surrounded!
Yesterday afternoon this cormorant who was fishing under water in the marsh pond, popped up right in the midst of six huge white pelicans. Cormorants can travel a distance under water when searching out a meal and I bet this one was more then a little surprised when he surfaced in front of this group!
“Are You Going To Eat That All By Yourself?”
This afternoon a great blue heron plucked a fish out of the marsh pond then paraded it around in front of a hungry looking egret. But…the blue heron was not in the mood to share, and the poor egret was left to go catch his own fish or stay hungry.
White Pelicans At Sunset
There was a small group of white pelicans hanging around in the marsh pond this afternoon doing their usual thing. I stayed to watch them until just prior to sunset, when these three came floating close to me lit by the warm setting sunlight.
Mister Hoodie
This male hooded merganser was among the group that had to scramble to get out of the way of the incoming white pelican earlier this week.
It seems like the whole experience might have got this fellow a bit flustered…but it’s always hard to tell with hoodies because they are wacky little ducks and at times quite comical!
Job Well Done
Yesterday afternoon my attention was momentarily diverted from watching the white pelicans and hoodies when I saw this bald eagle come gliding in from the salt marsh. The eagle did a wide circle around while keeping those sharp eyes open for what might be available down below to potentially snatch.
He then swooped down low over the marsh pond sending a large group of ducks scattering in a full blown panic. But rather then attempt to grab one of the ducks, the eagle landed on a post at the edge of the pond and screeched at the ducks as they flew away. Once that was taken care of he stood there with a look of great satisfaction on his face for that accomplishment!
“Move Over Gang, I’m Coming In!”
This afternoon I was amused by this white pelican who decided he needed to come swooping in right among a group of hooded merganser ducks. The poor little ducks were forced to scatter as the huge pelican came in for a landing.
Note how the male hoodies in the lower foreground excitedly get their head crests all pointy as they quickly get out of the way!
No Escargot Today…Thanks
Two days ago I was watching this white ibis feeding in the salt marsh during low tide. At one point he pulled out a snail but apparently was not in the mood for an escargot appetizer because he promptly dropped the unwanted mollusk right back into the water. I guess it must have needed garlic!
Small Bird…Small Fish
This morning we were watching this little tricolored heron fishing in the marsh pond. He did a lot of stalking, but not much catching, and when he finally did catch something it was just this tiny minnow. But he looked good doing it! Plus, right before he took off, the little tri came over nearby to where I was, took one last look around, then struck a very nice pose. The tricolored heron is a pretty bird and this one was particularly good looking!
Phil Lanoue Photography 