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…
…Â 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
What’s a Great Blue Heron to think when two gigantic American White Pelicans paddle into his space?
Don’t look, maybe they won’t see me.
Still not looking.
I’ll just turn a little.
The Great Blue Heron was wading, two American White Pelicans swam by, the Alligators were just hanging there. And just a flash of pink of a Roseate Spoonbill preening in the grass.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
November 27, 2021
I have almost these same images of four American White Ibis from last year in a different pond.
The White Ibis sharing their space mixed it up a little.
The White Pelicans are fascinating to watch as they shape-shift their positions from a straight line to a blob…
then back to a line as they follow the food.
All together now….
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
November 14, 2021
