This brown pelican, ensconced on the railing of the pier, must have been in between meals when I came across him the other day. Normally he'd be flying between 20 and 60 feet above the water, spotting herring, sheepshead, pigfish, mullet and other types of fish with his keen eyesight. Then he'd dive almost straight down and fill his pouch with more fish than his stomach could hold. During a normal day of fishing, he'd consume about 4 pounds of fish.
As I approached him, he was very focused on my lens and his eyes told me "Don't come any closer to me with that thing, buddy !" I obliged.
(70-200mm f9.0 1/500 sec ISO200)
click on photo to enlarge
As I approached him, he was very focused on my lens and his eyes told me "Don't come any closer to me with that thing, buddy !" I obliged.
(70-200mm f9.0 1/500 sec ISO200)
click on photo to enlarge
18 comments:
Perhaps he was so over stuffed on fish that he could not fly.That look is one of disgust.
WHOA! You're super brave! I have a strange fear of birds.....but one that large?! See me run...
NICE shot, i'm super impressed:)
I can see why you obliged Rick! That's a lot of food in one day, I can't even imagine and I sure wouldn't want a limb to be a part of the 4lbs of intake.
The shot is magnificent, I took a closer look and this pelican must have found something not too healthy to consume, check out it's blood shot eyes.
Have a fantastic day!
That is a brilliant shot!
Great colors and texture!
Thanks for sharing.
Rick, hi
4 kg fish? I'm jealous the pelican, because I like to eat fish :)
Very successful photo!!!
Greetings
This fellow seems to be overstuffed..
Great image, Rick!!
This is a KEEPER, Rick! WOW, what a gorgeous composition of this guy!
Nice clos-up shot Rick.
Perfect close up! Fantastic pic!
Ciao, minu
I would watch out for you and your lens too....
Lovely shot as usual.
Hugs Dag
Only without the pelican smile ...;))
Great shot !
Sill
He looks as though he would have no problem taking down your camera; lens and all! Great capture!
Ha ha, you might be right, Ruth. I think they're a peaceable species but you can never be too sure !
LOL Dawn, I think this was only one of the juveniles - he had an older brother (or maybe a sister) beside him who was even bigger ! I tried hard not to disturb either of them ;-)
Thanks Darlene; you do know it's spring break down here and I'm sure these big guys must have got into the party spirit - maybe they found some fermented fish - that might explain the bloodshot eyes ;-) I hope your week has gone well - Friday's here !
Thank you, Betty !
Ha ha, Magda ! Thank you - perhaps you should hire a couple of pelicans to fish for you !
You might be right, Monika - he does look rather full. Thank you and have a wonderful Friday !
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Elena !
Thank you, Carolyn !
Thanks, Stewart !
Ringraziarla molto, Minu ! (my Italian isn't very good - I hope the translation is ok ;-) Ciao !
Oh I was very careful with this one, Dag - it cost me an arm and a leg ;-) Groetjes !
Thank you, Sill (I think he had a rough night, so no smile ;-)
Ha ha, Cat - I didn't want to chance it ! Wouldn't have tasted as good as a fish, either !
Love it!
Thanks Soraia !
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