Brown Pelicans in flight with gulls, terns and skimmers- Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 80mm, natural light
Eleven years ago this morning I had an amazing time photographing flocks of Brown Pelicans plunge feeding in the Gulf of Mexico. I basically had the beach to myself except for the birds and there were plenty of them. Flocks of Brown Pelicans, Black Skimmers, Sandwich Terns, Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls were all feeding on the bait fish that were running close to the shore.
That morning I was shooting with my old Nikkor 80-400mm lens so I was able to back up the zoom and get some wide views of the large flocks of birds in the sky and on the water.
It sounded kind of like this recording of Ring-billed Gulls.
Feeding Brown Pelicans in the Gulf – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400MM VR at 175mm, natural light
It was wonderful to have these birds in my viewfinder, to feel the sand beneath my feet and to smell the tang of salt in the air. Looking back on that morning brings me pleasure.
I enjoyed the solitude, walking the beach, the birds and taking my time to photograph the Brown Pelicans and the other birds. No rush. The only drama was the show the birds were putting on as they fed on the bait fish.
Adult Brown Pelican in a flock of birds – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400MM VR at 400mm, natural light
The Brown Pelicans were birds I saw practically every time I went to Fort De Soto County Park and I truly enjoyed seeing and photographing them whenever I could. It was a real treat to photograph them in a feeding frenzy.
These images do stir up peaceful and wonderful memories for me.
Since leaving Florida and moving to Utah I have only photographed one Brown Pelican that made a rare visit to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge nearly two years ago.
Life is good.
Mia
To see more of my Brown Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
Great Pics Mia. Pelicans are fascinating birds. I love the variety of your shots. Thanks.
I now have the pelican poem in my head. 🙂 I love watching Brown Pelicans in general and their diving in particular. I am very fortunate to live in their territory. Occasionally, they’ll even come up and hang out on the river and flood control channel near my house.
Thank you (so much) for taking me there.
Wonderful photos and memories. Maybe one day I will see the brown pelicans dive. It is on my to do list.