American White Pelicans breed in colonies on remote islands and I have the privilege to photograph them as they forage for fish in bodies of fresh water near the Great Salt Lake.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
These three images were taken five days ago at Bear River MBR, the same morning I photographed the pelicans fighting over the headless carp. It was soon after sunrise so the light was warm and with the sun at that low angle behind me it illuminated the underside of the wings nicely (though there is one relatively bright area in the whites of the left wing).
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The webbed feet of American White Pelicans function like skis when landing on water. I fired off a long burst as this bird came in and landed but because of a variety of factors these were the two best shots in the bunch.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
American White Pelicans are very large and heavy birds, typically weighing just over 16 lbs which is twice the weight of the Brown Pelican (interestingly Dr. William H. Behle, my ornithology professor at the University of Utah 45 years ago reported a male pelican in 1958 that weighed an incredible 29.9 lbs!). Notice how high this massive bird is sitting in the water – relatively little of its total volume is below the water line. These birds manage that bit of trickery with a large system of subcutaneous air sacs near the breast that increases their buoyancy significantly.
Pretty neat!
Ron
I just got home from 4 months away, and it’s interesting that this should be the first post I see. We were able to get up close and personal with some great white pelicans in Namibia – really fun encounters. It’s interesting to see the differences in the two species. Great photos!
Catching up on this weeks posts and as usual enjoying how the beautiful photography is enhanced by your knowledge about birds. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Sometimes I think they look somewhat ungainly but am mesmerized by the grace of their flight.
It is my morning tea that you enhance here. Each and every day.
A thirty pound pelican? That headless carp wouldn’t have been a challenge for it would it?
I love seeing ducks, geese and pelicans water ski in for a landing…knew they were big, heavy bodied air ships, but amazed to hear of one almost 30 lbs.!!! Great shots!!!
Beautiful bird.Too bad we don’t have them around here(only in the south-est of Europe).
I guess it was not easy to capture that landing…
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jorge. Actually the shot wasn’t terribly difficult to get. These birds are large so their flight is relatively easy to follow. The most difficult part of getting the shot is getting up early enough to be there for the sweet light at dawn after a 1 1/2 hour drive.
I happened on your blog just recently, but it’s become my favorite. Your photos are so consistently beautiful , especially their lighting and backgrounds that you have already made changes in MY photography! And I enjoy your hints and bird lessons just as much! Thank you for sharing.
Welcome aboard, Carol – delighted to have you. And thank you for the kind words.
What Sensational shots and interesting info. Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Wow!!! JUst beautiful, beautiful photos. Thanks for teaching all of us so much about these amazimg creatures.
You’re very welcome, Ellen. And thank you.
Ron, thanks for the biology lesson. I thought those birds were light. I forget the air sacs that allow big birds to fly also keep these birds so high in the water. Not sure what I treasure most, your images each morning or the avian lessons you teach.
I especially appreciate your comment about the “avian lessons”, Diana. Thank you.
The light is so warm and lovely in these glorious images! Thanks for the details about the bird. Great reading while having my morning cup of coffee.
I know what you mean about the morning coffee, Sharon. I swill much more than I should when I’m preparing these posts each morning. Thank you.