An American White Pelican In Soft Morning Light

Two mornings ago, I photographed my first American White Pelican of the year in the soft morning light at an urban park close to home. The soft light seemed to make the pelican glow as it floated on the water’s surface. The air was cool, and a slight breeze lifted a few of the pelican’s feathers.

Even though this pond is small and located in an urban area, American White Pelicans can find enough fish to keep them hanging around for a bit. They won’t nest at the pond, but during the spring migration, they do stop by.

Preening American White Pelican on an urban pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/500, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I watched and photographed the pelican preening out in the middle of the pond for a little while before a bunch of displaying male grackles grabbed my attention.

I have a fondness for American White Pelicans and can’t resist photographing them wherever I find them. Truthfully, though, I can’t resist photographing any bird I come across, even those that others walk by, drive past, and ignore.

I sincerely hope that the pelicans here in northern Utah have a successful breeding season this year, but I do worry about it. They nest on islands in the Great Salt Lake, and now that the lake’s water level is so low that there are land bridges, predators can easily disturb them at their nests and prey on their young.

Life is good.

Mia

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