Another Hard Day At Work

Say what you will about the pelicans…they may be a bit goofy looking but I have to admit they work hard. There were a couple out this afternoon flying all over the salt marsh area hunting for a lunch.

I can always tell a pelican is serious about fishing when I see one come gliding in, then go into a sort of hover mode before finally diving down for (hopefully) the catch!

Right after that the big guy is off again to repeat the whole process again in another location.

Before I left I saw this one pelican taking a break from work. It came up out of the marsh and sat down along the edge to dry off and enjoy a well deserved rest.

20 thoughts on “Another Hard Day At Work”

Victor Rakmil on February 27, 2015 at 5:31 pm said:

Wonderful portrait.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 27, 2015 at 6:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much.
  
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The Lite Rider on February 27, 2015 at 6:05 pm said:

They sure do sound like they work hard. What a great closeup! He has quite an expression, and the head tufts add to the effect!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 27, 2015 at 6:15 pm said:
  
  I’m glad you liked the close up shot I almost didn’t include that one. And yes you gotta live those head tufts! 🙂
  
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Pat on February 27, 2015 at 7:16 pm said:

Agreed. Fantastic portrait.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 27, 2015 at 7:28 pm said:
  
  He was quite cooperative posing very nicely.
  
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Lyle Krahn on February 27, 2015 at 8:07 pm said:

Ohh number 3 shot is fantastic. Definitely has the nose for it.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:15 pm said:
  
  I’ve seen more then a few of these guys get that big nose banged up while using this fishing method. The water they often dive into is surprisingly shallow.
  
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Gunta on February 27, 2015 at 9:22 pm said:

He looks quite intimidating up close.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:16 pm said:
  
  Yeah but he was probably too tame for his own good. I think I could have petted him.
  
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absengeralois on February 28, 2015 at 2:38 am said:

SUPER! http://www.aloisabsenger.wordpress.com

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:16 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much for looking!
  
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foxleylady on February 28, 2015 at 9:29 am said:

Oh Phil, you have excelled yourself yet again! Brilliant action shots and the last one is awesome, such detail! They are so agile for such large birds!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:17 pm said:
  
  I’m glad you liked seeing the big guy in action Maggie. They are entertaining when they really get going as opposed to the times when they mostly just float around. 🙂
  
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Rolling Harbour on February 28, 2015 at 10:47 am said:

Another great sequence, Phil. Do you use continous shooting to get them – it must all happen pretty fast?

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks, glad you liked these. I do put the camera on high speed. 8 fps for the 7D and 10 fps for the 7D MK II.
  
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Raewyn's Photos on February 28, 2015 at 2:39 pm said:

great photos.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:18 pm said:
  
  I’m happy you enjoyed them.
  
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anotherday2paradise on February 28, 2015 at 3:57 pm said:

Wow! Best pelican photos I’ve ever seen, Phil. This guy really has quite a personality, and a zest for what he does best. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 1, 2015 at 2:20 pm said:
  
  A couple of these big guys can really bring the action when they start hitting the area hard when hunting for a seafood dinner. They do go all out! 🙂
  
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