The White Pelican Convention
This morning we were very surprised to see that the American White Pelican Convention was holding it’s December 1st. meeting in the marsh pond. There were 60-70 white pelicans all over the pond, sometimes clumped in groups, other times more spread out. It is uncommon for us to see even a few white pelicans but a group this size is a rare event.
Along with the pelicans there were groups of cormorants and various species of ducks, all of which is fairly normal. Then at one point a juvenile brown pelican showed up and seemed more then a little surprised to see so many birds that were kind of like him, but not exactly the same. 🙂 I also saw a bald eagle perched in a tall tree at the back edge of the pond and he never moved a bit. Perhaps he was trying to figure out just what these very large and very odd looking birds were.
We don’t know how long the convention will be in town but I do plan to check over there tomorrow in hopes they are planning an extended stay.Â
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Che spettacolo stupendo Phil, le tue foto sono bellissime. Magnifico vedere un raduno così numeroso, wowwww 🙂
E ‘stato davvero bello vedere un grande gruppo. La ringrazio molto per guardare queste foto.
WOW! You are lucky to find them dear Phil. Wonderful photographs you captured, they are amazing… Thank you, love, nia
I was very happy to see this large group Nia and I’m also happy you liked the photos!
Thanks for the variety of bird behavior photos, Phil. They’re great. I especially like the “Pelican raft” in the fourth photo. 🙂
Thank you so much Deb, I had a great time watching these big goofy guys do their thing! 🙂
I love white pelicans!! My first ever real bird pictures were here in Florida in January in a place called Matlacha Pass on the West Coast. We saw a large group..at least 70 or more..on a little mangrove island in the middle of the pass.I had a devil of a time sneaking up on them as they’d fly off at the slightest provocation. This was many cameras ago, first digital, and while I wish I’d had a better camera then, the photos are charged with great memories of an exciting shoot. Twas freezing too!! I can see why you’d want to visit again to see these funny looking but still elegant birds. Love these shots too!! Always!
Thanks very much Judy, I’m so glad you enjoyed these white pelican photos! It was a real treat for us to see such a crowd of them when normally we don’t see any.
I love the contrasts in the first and last pictures and the action shots! What beautiful birds these are! Do they migrate? Is your part of the world warmer than where they are coming from, perhaps?
Thank you very much for checking these out Maggie and I’m happy you liked them.
I don’t know where they came from, I think they are in many areas and places that are much colder then we are now but not sure if that is why there are here. I know they are happy with a pond full of fish though. 🙂
You made great use of them – hopefully they stay around for you. I especially like the water skiing photo.
I eventually got tired of chasing them all around the pond and finally decided on one spot and that’s when I got these photos. I like seeing them but wish they would leave a few fish for the other birds. These big guys can eat a lot.
And they seem pretty good at it!
To hear the fish tell it, they are too good. 🙂
I have never seen more than a singular Pelican . Amazing to see them forming what essentially looks like a round tabs discussion ! I always learn something from your Blog : )
I’m so happy you enjoyed seeing these pelican photos! We normally only get the brown pelicans so we are thrilled to have this group show up.
The pelicans look as though they are enjoying their time here!
I expect they are enjoying their stay here mostly because the pond is (was) stuffed with fish. A big group like this with help from cormorants could wipe out a pond fairly quickly I’m guessing.
Beautiful shots of them! I have seen too many here yet.
Thanks for checking these out and glad you like them!
Reblogged this on Beatz kane Blog 143.
Thanks much I appreciate the reblog!
Great shots of these Pelicans.
Thank you Jan, glad to know you enjoyed the pelican photos!
Wow that must be so beautiful to see in person Phil!!! I can understand why you go to look in your special places all the time. Janny would never see me if I was down there.:):)
Erv
They were a real treat for us Erv, no doubt about it. I’m lucky because Alyce almost always comes out with me. 🙂
Wonderful pictures, Phil. How much time do you spend in the marsh that you are able to capture so much? Do you go every day?
Thanks a million Jeanne, so glad you enjoyed these pelican photos! I generally spend about two hours over there and may not go every day but there have been days when I have gone over three times in the same day. 🙂
Nice but my favorites are 2, 3 &4…it looks like a series of “formation swimming” 🙂
I really get a kick out of them when they do group up in a formation. Fun birds for sure!
LOL, great post & as always GREAT pictures!! 😀
Thanks much Calee I greatly appreciate your kind comments!
Photo #4 stands out in this series of spectacular action takes!!!
Thanks a million Paula and I agree, you have to love a group of the big goofy guys when they all get into their nice formation. 🙂
Amazing convention of birds, my friend. I love seeing all of them together but my favorite photo is the last – one escaping for a little alone time, perhaps?
He may have been looking for a little alone but it was tough to do, we had a big crowd out there!
Awesome pictures Phil! Wish I was there.
Thanks Sue it was pretty wild to see all this going on.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing
I appreciate you looking and commenting, thanks!
I hope you realise, Phil, that they are plotting how to take over the human world! 😉