Many Pelicans

[Barbara Ponder]

These were taken on a road at the top potion of a dike. It sits about 20 feet up and water runs along both sides. All different size groups, anywhere from 3 to as many as 30 or 40 ,of Pelicans will pass you usually very closely. This was taken from my car window. It is a shot I have wanted to take for awhile now but have not gotten one that they were spaced correctly. CC welcomed and appreciated.

[deetheturk]

Love these Barbara, you are so lucky to live near these wonderful birds

[IzzieK]

You this shot is a natural shot and not a PP one? Good God! How lucky can you be?!

[GBO25]

Just fabulous, what more can I say.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[Stagecoach]

Must be a great experience to get so many accommodating pelicans in formation just waiting to be captured Barbara, good ones.

[Barbara Ponder]

Love these Barbara, you are so lucky to live near these wonderful birds

Thanks David! Yes I do feel fortunate as I love me some pelicans!

[Barbara Ponder]

You this shot is a natural shot and not a PP one? Good God! How lucky can you be?!

Izzie, yes natural and that was not the whole group of them.

[Barbara Ponder]

Just fabulous, what more can I say.

Thanks Graham

[Barbara Ponder]

Nicely done.

Thanks John!

[Barbara Ponder]

Must be a great experience to get so many accommodating pelicans in formation just waiting to be captured Barbara, good ones.

Thanks Grahame! I can't even begin to tell you the feeling I get seeing a mass of them flying over head or at my side. It is amazing and although this captured it somewhat it is no where near like being there.

[marlunn]

Lovely shots Barbara, and very envious of your opportunities, tempered by knowing you appreciate your fortune and with your sharing the images with us

[Downrigger]

So beautiful. And interesting to me in this way: These look like merged shots of one bird in flight, in the sense that wing positions almost seem sequenced. Is it in fact random? Or is there a pattern to how and individual times wingstrokes in relation to his/her predecessor's? A collection of shots like these would provide the data for an answer. I think they do glide in unison pretty often, but wonder if there's cuing of some sort when they are all stroking along.

[Barbara Ponder]

Lovely shots Barbara, and very envious of your opportunities, tempered by knowing you appreciate your fortune and with your sharing the images with us

Thanks Mark!

[Barbara Ponder]

So beautiful. And interesting to me in this way: These look like merged shots of one bird in flight, in the sense that wing positions almost seem sequenced. Is it in fact random? Or is there a pattern to how and individual times wingstrokes in relation to his/her predecessor's? A collection of shots like these would provide the data for an answer. I think they do glide in unison pretty often, but wonder if there's cuing of some sort when they are all stroking along.

Thanks Mark! They always seem to be in a pattern so I would imagine that there must be some cuing. They never run into one another. I would imagine that much like racers (think bike or running) that they position so as to not tire as much as possible and take turns being the lead. These shots were taken at high burst so the the second would be the next wing positions. I have a 3rd of this as well but cut off one of the birds so did not share it. They are fascinating creatures and to be able to be at eye level as they fly is really exciting.

[Saorsa]

Pelicans, like geese, fly like that to make it easier on the individuals. They will switch leaders from time to time.

[DonnaK]

Yep, I'm jealous of where you live to find these beautiful birds and also your camera skills obtaining these shots

[Barbara Ponder]

Yep, I'm jealous of where you live to find these beautiful birds and also your camera skills obtaining these shots

Thanks Donna!

[bnnrcn]

At first sight I thought you combined a couple of shots to create those images, but after reading your explanation all I can say is ' great and lovely' They are both nice , I find the composiştion in #1 better

[Barbara Ponder]

At first sight I thought you combined a couple of shots to create those images, but after reading your explanation all I can say is ' great and lovely' They are both nice , I find the composiştion in #1 better

Thanks Binnur! #1 is my favorite as well. I knew everyone would think it was a composite so I knew I would need to explain. Unless you see in person it is difficult to believe it.