Continued from American White Pelicans in Flight
Some of the American White Pelicans flew closer to me as the others circled around.
Both Sexes (From All About Birds)
Length: 50.0-65.0 in (127-165 cm)
Weight: 158.7-317.5 oz (4500-9000 g) — that’s 10 to 15 pounds!!
Wingspan: 96.1-114.2 in (244-290 cm)
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
Visitation is by guided tour only, managed by SC Department of Natural Resources
November 22, 2022
A large number of American White Pelicans were feeding in the old rice field ponds at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center on Tuesday. They took off in small groups, circled around and resettled a bit further away from us.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
Visitation is by guided tour only, managed by SC Department of Natural Resources
November 22, 2022
I saw my first American White Pelican of the season two weeks ago, flying by…
The were pretty high up, but did show off a couple of their aerial ballet moves.
Kiawah Beach, SC
October 21, 2022
We were surprised to find American White Pelicans at Donnelley on May 15, thinking they had long flown north for the summer.
A dozen or so were around the pond and a few paddled closer, occasionally feeding but mostly just bobbing around.
An Alligator paddled by, too; they ignored him.
A wider view with the Pelicans moving towards the back of the pond.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
It was a nail-biter.
For me.
Surely the White Pelican would swoosh between the Great Egrets…
But no, he ran out of oomph and veered left.
There was to be no touch down score for this American White Pelican
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 23, 2022
Landing gear down, an American White Pelican prepared for splash down.
He aimed for the wake his pal had just left…
…and his pal.
I guess they have done this before…
… neither displayed any concern about their proximity.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 9, 2022
I missed the actual lift off from the water, and you can see from the little splash that it was a dainty maneuver. I believe this trio was standing on a submerged log, not on the muddy pond floor, which likely would take more effort.
One big flap of the wings and he was up…
and away, leaving his pals behind.
As I’ve witnessed other times, he wasn’t going far after all that. He settled on the other side of a hummock and started to feed.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 9, 2022
A dramatic sky and lingering fall color in the trees made a nice backdrop when this flock of American White Pelicans flew by.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Seeing an American White Pelican lift off from the water is an impressive sight.
A couple of wing flaps and a small splash
and they are airborne.
This time the Pelican wasn’t going far, he lifted up over this hummock and landed on the other side, out of my sight.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
December 25, 2021
Getting to the Wildlife Management Area early payed off yesterday with some gorgeous early light and a small flock of American White Pelicans.
These two were fairly close to the dike and the marsh grass made a nice reflection in the water.
Back and forth, a cool profile shadow on the leader.
And an occasional gulp of a snack.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
December 25, 2021
