Adult Brown Pelican in flight Adult Brown Pelican in flight – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) were common year round along the Gulf coast when I lived in Florida. I would see them floating in the water, resting on sandbars and beaches, diving for prey and in flight.

This adult Brown Pelican is in breeding plumage as indicated by the orange tipped bill. What you can not see because of the wing and neck position is the dark plumage along the backside of the neck.  I photographed this bird on the west coast of Florida as it flew past me over the Gulf of Mexico.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Brown Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.