Pelicans

Pelicans: Clumsy on Land, Graceful in the Air

By Mike – Chronicler of Feathered Dinosaurs

My First Pelican Encounter

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a pelican up close. I was at [your local spot] when this prehistoric-looking giant came gliding in like a 747 with feathers. It hit the water with all the grace of a falling refrigerator – splash! – and came up with a fish half its size. That’s when I realized: pelicans are nature’s perfect comedy act, until you see them fly. Then they’re pure poetry.

These living fossils have humbled me more times than I can count. Just when I think I’ve got the perfect shot lined up, they’ll do something ridiculous like trip over their own feet or sneeze fish guts everywhere. But when the light hits their wings just right? Worth every minute.

Pelicans Photo Albums

Pelican Quirks That Make Photography “Interesting”

Two American White Pelicans gracefully swimming in calm blue waters showcasing their distinctive long orange bills and striking white feathers. Perfect wildlife scene.

1. The Dinosaur Factor

  • Their wingspan can reach 9 feet – same as some small planes!
  • Photography fail: Tried to capture one in flight… only to realize my wide-angle lens couldn’t fit the whole bird.

2. The Cannonball Dive

Personal story: Got completely drenched trying to photograph a diving pelican. The bird looked amused.

Brown pelicans plunge from 60 feet up at 40 mph. The splash can soak bystanders 30 feet away.

3. The Fishy Table Manners

  • That stretchy pouch can hold 3 gallons of water – and the occasional surprised duckling (they spit them out unharmed).
  • Camera tip: Shoot at 1/2000s to freeze the hilarious water-draining head shakes.

4. The Gangster Walk

  • On land, they waddle like feathery mob bosses collecting protection money.
  • Fun shot: Caught one marching past a sign that read “No Fishing” – pelican logic says this doesn’t apply to them.

My Most Memorable Pelican Moments

The Pelican That Photobombed Everything
At a beach full of tourists, one pelican made it his mission to appear in every sunset selfie. I got shots of it photobombing proposals, family photos, even a yoga session.

The Great Fish Heist
Watched a pelican steal a fish right from a fisherman’s bucket. The fisherman laughed; the pelican looked smug.

The Synchronized Swimming Fail
Tried to photograph a group diving together. Instead got a chaotic splash-fest that looked like a feathery car crash.

The “Pelican Crossing” Incident
One strolled across a busy bike path, holding up traffic. Even police officers stopped to take pictures.

Pelican Photography Tips (Mostly Learned the Hard Way)

  1. Waterproof Everything
    Pelicans specialize in splash zones. Your camera bag needs to be more waterproof than theirs.
  2. Shoot Early or Late
    Midday light washes out their beautiful colors. Golden hour makes their bills glow.
  3. Anticipate the Action
    Watch their heads – a slight tilt means they’re about to dive.
  4. Embrace the Chaos
    Perfect pelican shots are rare. The funny moments are what you’ll remember.

Meet the Pelicans [Your Photo Galleries Here]

American White Pelican

  • Cool fact: They team up to herd fish like underwater cowboys.
  • My shot: A group forming a perfect fishing line, reflected in still water.

Brown Pelican

  • Cool fact: The only pelican that dive-bombs for fish.
  • Camera win: Caught one mid-plunge, wings folded like a feathered missile.

Pelican Personality Shots

  • The one using a buoy as a diving platform
  • The juvenile begging from tourists (and getting fed)
  • The pair having a bill-clattering argument

Why Pelicans Matter

These living fossils survived asteroids and ice ages, but now face plastic pollution and habitat loss. When pelicans thrive, it means our coasts are healthy. That’s why I pick up fishing line at beaches and support [local conservation group].

Go See For Yourself

Best pelican-watching tips:

  1. Fishing piers (they know where the easy meals are)
  2. Boat ramps (especially cleaning stations)
  3. Anywhere with “No Feeding” signs (which they ignore)

You don’t need fancy gear – even a phone can capture their comic personalities. Just watch your lunch – they’re not above stealing sandwiches.

Happy birding,
Mike
FawkesFocus.com

P.S. My camera still smells faintly of fish. I call it “authentic pelican ambiance.”