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Brown pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Photo by Brian38
Published on Project Noah
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30.2486, -87.6688

Field Notes

Description:

The brown pelican is the smallest of the nine pelican species with a wing span of just over 2 meters. Their was several pelicans by the pier, which was close by. This one finally left it's buddies to hangout with some seagulls.

Habitat:

Spotted at the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores Alabama.

Notes:

First video shows them in scouting formation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ahhFEUYZU Second video shows them eating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmC5G5zIq0Y&t=1s

Reference Links:

Brown pelican - Wikipedia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
Brian38
Thank you very much DrNamgyalT.Sherpa.
Neil Ross
I watched your videos too. Excellent. Nice to see pelicans feeding naturally and not hanging around looking for handouts. I'm sure there are populations of birds that have become so dependent on people that they lose the ability to hunt. Storms? Sounds wonderful. We've had weeks of heatwaves. Anything with water sounds wonderful.
Brian38
Thanks Neil. The weather in south Alabama and nw Florida has been very stormy while I've been here, but I have been able to get out and explore between storms.
Neil Ross
Enjoy your vacation. I did notice this spotting was down in the gulf, and not the NW. A warmer winter climate, no doubt, and without any humidity.
Brian38
Thank you so much Neil and Sukanya for your kind words. I'm having a great time on a little vacation trip to the gulf coast. The Brown Pelicans are common but still are a joy to observe.
Neil Ross
That is sweet. What an awesome lead photo. Great spotting, Brian.

Spotted for Missions

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Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
2018 Best Wildlife Photo

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Photographed
PublishedJanuary 22, 2019

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