Pelican Portrait

[FootLoose]

I was sitting on a rock only about 4-5m from this pelican enjoying myself taking close-up shots, and then suddenly it took off. It just leaned forward, gave a flap of its wings and it was gone. If I had noticed some warning sign that it was about to depart, I could have zoomed out a bit and framed the whole bird. Oh, well, maybe next time.

I have noticed many of the birds have a lump on their beak now. It appears to start from the top and travel down to the end. I assume it is to replace the sharp piece on the end, although it apparently has something to do with the breeding cycle, too. I haven't been able to find out much more than that.




(I include this 2nd shot simply for the unusual pose)

[terrib]

That pelican has beautiful coloring! Very nice portrait, Greg.

[FootLoose]

Thanks, Terri. I suspect they are staring to colour up for the breeding season, too.

[Shadowman]

Nice, colors make it look animated.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Greg.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice Greg, I loved the colours

[Brownbear]

Beautiful images with gorgeous detail and colour. Amazingly beautiful eyes, and looking right at us in the 2nd image.

What a beautiful pelican!

[chauncey]

Greg, you must have some good gear cause dat camera sure do take good pictures.
Seriously...the detail is incredible, almost a selfie in the first one's eye...great shots!

[Kyle]

Wow, fantastic shots. Very interesting bird.

[Stinky]

Cool shots.

[flashback]

#1, startlingly clear and crisp and the crop as is is perfect. Obviously #2 would have been nice to get the entire bird in the frame but it is what it is.

[Dave Humphries]

I'd be ecstatic to have taken either Greg, well done

[FootLoose]

Terri, John, David, Binnur, Christina, Chauncey, Kyle, Steve, Jack and Dave, thank you all for viewing and commenting.

Chauncey, I get the joke but I have to say the 600D's capabilities have improved remarkably since I bought the 70-300 L.