Watching Brown Pelicans fly can be mesmorizing. They often glide in small groups along the shore line, gracefully and with what looks like little effort.
And with some secret signal they turn in unison.
These were taken at the end of the day and there wasn’t much light. This last Pelican was by himself and went right over my head, and yes I wear a hat.
My, what big feet you have!
Brown Pelicans will land on almost anything around the dock, including this shrimp boat rigging, and somehow their feet adapt. This one is looking down into the creek, alert for any chances at lunch.
I was intrigued by the frame the shrimp boat rigging made around this Brown Pelican and was hoping for a view that included his massive feet.
What I got was a goofy view of him stretching out his throat pouch…
and his neck.
Just because they can, I guess.
Brown Pelicans have learned to gather where Dolphins are strand feeding. They’ve figured out that fish can’t be far off and may be available for poaching.
I was watching this one as he artfully took off.
And swooped out over the river.
I didn’t realize until he turned and landed that I was missing a Dolphin strand feeding.
Brown Pelicans are attracted to Shem Creek by the commercial fishing activity and are often seen cleaning up behind the boats as they clean their catch. Other times they drop into the creek and fish on their own.
Shem Creek also hosts a Kayak/Stand Up Paddleboard rental shop and a public boat ramp for those with their own equipment. This pair of paddlers wasn’t paying much attention to the Pelicans gliding by. I’m not sure how that would be possible.
Pelicans will land on anything and everything. Their sheer size (between 4 and 11 pounds) always makes them stand out. I liked this shot with the colorful hulls in the background.
Shem Creek – click image for larger viewTaken with my new 20mm lens, 3/24/2018.
Sony Alpha 6500, Sony 20mm F2.8
Secret, secret, who’s got a secret?
Let me show you.
Now it’s gone.
Made me laugh!
Click on any photo for larger view.
He’s all lined up:
Landing gear extended:
A gentle splash:
Another successful landing of the pelican express.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
