Brown Pelicans nest on several islands that are really not much more than sand bars off the Charleston, SC coast. Storms and the tides shift the availability and viability of nesting sites from year to year. I had the privileged to observe one of these sites this morning, where the Pelican chicks are out of their nests but not yet flying or getting their own food.
This particular island was re-nourished with sand dredged from the Folly River last year with spectacular results for this year’s nesting Pelicans.
Shore access is not allowed during nesting season; these images were all taken from a boat at a shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second to help compensate for the boat movement.
It was a delightful outing and seeing these Pelican chicks was a real treat. This appears to be two sets of chicks, with the younger group testing out their bills in the water.
How delightful indeed! Wonderful photos Ellen.
Thanks, Belinda!
Love these photos as I’ve never seen pelican chicks… don’t know why? (Australia, East Coast). Also, have only seen white pelicans here.
Thanks, Meryl and thanks for stopping by. The Pelicans here have their nests in very isolated spots, that generally look like nothing. Hard to believe they can successfully reproduce nesting on just a bit of sand.