Brown Pelicans

[NorthernFocus]

I've finally finished culling my shots from the recent Gulf Coast trip and here are the best of the brown pelicans. I'm still on the road and working on a non-calibrated laptop so some colors may be off etc. As I understand it, in a few weeks when they start breeding, the white feathers on the necks will be replaced by dark brown and the black neck/jaw pouch will turn red(ish).

All shot with D7100 and AF-S 80-400mm VR.

As always viewing in the light box at full (uploaded) resolution is recommended.

The previous BIF over the surf seemed to be popular so here are a couple more. These were shot on the beach in Destin,FL after a cold front had passed through. It was about 35F(2C) and with about 30mph(50kph) wind blowing off the beach, the birds were hugging the shore providing a nice opportunity for a few shots. Unfortunately not many of them were flying and I wasn't dedicated enough to endure those conditions all day.

400mm, 1/1250s, f5.6, ISO320

1)


2)


Then in early morning light at the mouth of the harbor in Ocean Springs,MS. Shooting from a pier. To keep the angle as flat as possible I lay down on the pier and shot the long end of the zoom range. Camera was probably six or seven feet above water level.
400mm, 1/1000s, f5.6, ISO800

3) I love how closely they glide across the surface of the water.


4)Double trouble.


5)


That same evening just before sunset inside the boat harbor I shot some requisite pellies on pilings.

6) 400mm, 1/1000, f5.6, ISO200


7)330mm

[Wavelength]

Really great images

[bnnrcn]

Wow! They are all great. I loved the light and composition in #4

[Shadowman]

Some nice captures within this group. Nicely done.

[Brownbear]

Indeed, great pelicans as I knew yours would be. Thank you for sharing.

I like the view from above for the wings but I especially love the low flying shots for the light and how close you captured them gliding along water with #4 being my favourite. I also love #6 and #7 for the posture, gorgeous light and detail. Can't choose between these two.

A cold front in Florida, truly not fair to vacationing folks from Alaska. (:

[marlunn]

Dan, lovely images and techs are spot on #2, #3 and #6 for me - I really love the colour of the water on #2 with the oof water behind the bird.

[Downrigger]

Terrific, Dan. And what's really helpful for me is the crispness with the 80-400, of which I own one, and can now conclude my problems are mine, not the lens's.

[Chri5]

Smashing images. No 2 and 5 are my favourite. I love the detail and colour in them all.

[Whistletown Wilds]

All are great well done!

[dje]

Excellent quality shots Dan. Pelicans are very photogenic IMO.

Dave

[IzzieK]

All beautiful shots, Dan....these birds got real attitude...!!!

[Barbara Ponder]

Awesome shots of my favorite bird!

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you guys enjoyed the pudikins. Unfortunately it wasn't until just before we left for home that I found the perfect spot to shoot them. They were gliding up/down a canal over protected (aka still) water with marsh in the BG. But of course there was no time to take advantage. At least I have something to do next time I'm forced to visit the in-laws

Barbara and Christina, I can see why you guys like these birds so much. They are really interesting when you stop and pay attention to them. Though I love my BIF shooting, watching these guys sitting atop a piling is pretty cool. Very interesting birds.

[Saorsa]

Great shots.

In storing my shots I use BIF for bird in flight. We have plenty of pelicans down the road from me so I also have directories for PIGs and POPs which are Pelicans in Ground Effect and Pelicans on Poles.

In those low flights they are working on the same principle as a Wing In Ground Effect.

[NorthernFocus]

Yes they definitely utilize the ground effect phenomenon to good effect. In a tail or cross wind they can sail for hundreds of yards without a flap of the wings. For anyone who understands/appreciates aerodynamics, they are unlikely looking masters. So ungainly on the ground/water and so graceful on the wing.

It is interesting how differently birds fly. There are many that simply utilize brute force. Like small song birds that flap and fold, flap and fold... Then there are the true long distance, energy efficient masters like the albatross and frigate bird. And every variation in between. A lifetime and more of photography opportunities

[Rebel]

Great shots.

In storing my shots I use BIF for bird in flight. We have plenty of pelicans down the road from me so I also have directories for PIGs and POPs which are Pelicans in Ground Effect and Pelicans on Poles.

In those low flights they are working on the same principle as a Wing In Ground Effect.

I'd say the Wing In Ground Effect is working on the same principle as them.

Awesome shots Dan!

[DonnaK]

Excellent shots and explanations on obtaining them, Dan. You BIF's are so well done with catching the action and details on each one. I need lots of practice to get anywhere near these results. Laying on the pier in colder weather to get these makes them even better because that angle shows how they just seem to glide above the water. Your last shot on the piling is fantastic. Loved the entire series.

[John 2]

That's a great set Dan, showing the birds in almost all of their aspects. The last one in particular, ticks all of the boxes for me.

[Stagecoach]

Great set Dan, difficult to pick a favourite as all so good.

[JohnRostron]

Great shots. I particularly liked #5.

I used to teach bird biology, including flight, but I never worked out the WIG mechanism!

John