Pelicans have a wingspan up to 7 feet. They usually fly in flocks and often glide close to the water’s surface. They seem almost prehistoric to me. This pelican reminds me of a Pterodactyl.
Pelican
14
Aug 10
Pelican In Flight
9
Aug 10
Pelican Swimming
Another view of the same pelican near the Highway 1 bridge. The single eye visible seems to give this bird a determined look.
5
Aug 10
Pelican Swimming In Moss Landing Harbor
The pelican’s bill can hold up to three gallons of water and fish. They feed on schooling fish such as herring, minnows, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. This photograph was taken under the Highway 1 bridge that crosses the entrance to the Elkhorn Slough.
19
Jul 10
Pelicans On The Dock
Pelicans perch on a refrigeration unit on a dock in Moss landing, California. A fishing boat is on its way out in the early morning fog.
13
Jul 10
Pelicans Grooming
Another photograph from the Moss Landing breakwater. Although pelicans are a frequent sight in Moss Landing, they are an endangered species. They were placed on the Endangered Species List in 1970 due to a drastic population decline caused by the pesticide DDT. There are between 4,000 and 5,000 breeding pairs in California.
12
Jul 10
Brown Pelicans On The Moss Landing Breakwater
Brown pelicans are a familiar sight in Moss Landing, often sitting on jetties , wharf pilings and breakwaters. They are more gray-brown than brown and have a yellowish crown on white heads. They are gregarious creatures, as shown here on the breakwater at the entrance to the harbor. Two pelicans seem to be eye to eye.