Lindy Low LeCoq

A colony of about 100 Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) were gathered along the shoreline when Jello and I took our morning walk, September 14, 2020. What a joy to watch them flying above the waves, swimming in the splash and swash of surf and snacking upon a pod of fry.

With a 6’6” (2 meter) wingspan these magnificent creatures had my rapt attention.

Due to the fog and my adherence to staying at a distance, the photos are muted and a bit fuzzy. Still, the energy and communal affability of the colony is perceptible.

By September, breeding adults are molting out of their bright summer colors into a white crest that stretches from their crown down the nape of their long neck. Juveniles are grey brown with white breast feathers.

Fun fact: gulls sometimes perch on a pelican’s head and steal fish right out of their mouth!

These two pairs were at the forefront of the colony, leading me to think they likely are elders of the group.

“Poetry in motion.”

Wishing everyone safe harbor, as we navigate uncharted waters.🐾