Sure, It Looks Like Fun…

I was watching this young brown pelican fishing in the salt marsh on a recent afternoon. The bird seemed to be having a good time splashing around, and flying back and forth low over the water.

But especially for the juveniles, fishing is serious business. It’s in those first couple of early years where experience means survival. We have seen a few young brown pelicans dead around the area. Sometimes it’s a sudden drop in temperature during the night combined with not catching enough food that can create a fatal crises for these birds.

Of course most will survive which is apparent from the large numbers of them we can see almost year round flying just out over the ocean as well as a bit inland.

20 thoughts on “Sure, It Looks Like Fun…”

Raewyn's Photos on December 30, 2014 at 4:34 pm said:

Stunning captures. All the best for the New Year. 😀

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- Phil Lanoue on December 30, 2014 at 9:25 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much and Happy New Year!
  
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Patrizia M. on December 30, 2014 at 6:41 pm said:

Scatti fantastici caro Phil. Complimenti, è sempre fantastico vedere le tue foto.
Tanti auguri e tutto il meglio per il Nuovo Anno, a te e ai tuoi cari.
Patrizia

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- Phil Lanoue on December 30, 2014 at 9:29 pm said:
  
  Spero che tu abbia un meraviglioso anno nuovo Pat!
  
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Charlie@Seattle Trekker on December 30, 2014 at 7:01 pm said:

I have enjoyed the amazing images you have shared this year…I look forward to your posts in 2015. Have a great New Year.

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- Phil Lanoue on December 30, 2014 at 9:26 pm said:
  
  I appreciate that very much Charlie thank you!
  
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foxleylady on December 30, 2014 at 7:51 pm said:

Such lovely expression in the eyes! Fascinating birds.

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- Phil Lanoue on December 30, 2014 at 9:27 pm said:
  
  They are big fun goofy birds Maggie! Hope you all have a great New Year!
  
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Scott Marshall on December 30, 2014 at 7:56 pm said:

Phil can I ask what sort of zoom you are using please I have an opportunity to get a sigma 150-500 and was looking to get an idea of what you were using yourself – thanks

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- Phil Lanoue on December 30, 2014 at 9:25 pm said:
  
  Hey Scott, I don’t use a zoom I have a straight Canon 300 f4 most often with a 1.4 extender attached on a 7D MK II (since Nov.) and previously the original 7D. So most everything is shot at 420.
  
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  - Scott Marshall on December 31, 2014 at 5:13 am said:
    
    Phil thanks for getting back – that is very interesting read some rviews comparing a Nikon 300 with a 1.7 convertor versus a cheap glass Tamron 150 – 600 (good centre detail apparently) and a Sigma 150-500 similar feedback so thanks Phil cracking feedback – have a great New Year to you and your family 👍
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on December 31, 2014 at 9:50 am said:
      
      I have been very happy with that combo Scott. Best wishes for a healthy happy New Year!
      
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Amy on December 30, 2014 at 11:43 pm said:

Happy 2015, Phil! Thank you for sharing all the cool bird photos and stories!

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- Phil Lanoue on December 31, 2014 at 9:47 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Amy and hope you enjoy your New Year!
  
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Gunta on December 31, 2014 at 1:44 am said:

Wishing you and yours a very happy new year… and looking forward to more adventures from the swamp!

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- Phil Lanoue on December 31, 2014 at 9:48 am said:
  
  Best wishes for a healthy happy New Year to you and yours as well Gunta!
  
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Linda on December 31, 2014 at 8:54 am said:

Thank you for your beautiful pelican pictures and all the others you have sent me, a definate pick me up to see all the beautiful nature your surrounded by, and the great shots. Happy 2015, and am looking foward to more beauty and nature from your very beautiful shots!!!!

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- Phil Lanoue on December 31, 2014 at 9:49 am said:
  
  Thanks a million Linda and best wishes for a healthy happy New Year!
  
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anotherday2paradise on December 31, 2014 at 1:53 pm said:

Beautiful pelican pics, Phil. I’ve so enjoyed your photography this year. Looking forward to seeing Mr A again next year. 🙂

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Birder's Journey on December 31, 2014 at 10:13 pm said:

I always enjoy your Pelicans, Phil!

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