Details revealed through photos; pelican taking off

[NorthernFocus]

I've seen pelicans take off from water hundreds of times. With the naked eye they appear(to me) to "walk on water" like ducks, geese, shags, etc. But when I reviewed he following sequence of a takeoff shot at 6fps I was amazed to see that the pelican does not walk/run on top of the water during takeoff. It kicks with both feet at the same time in more of a hopping motion rather than a running motion. Which explains a lot as to why they look so goofy taking off. Because they are...(goofy)

I'm beginning to see ultra slowmo video in my future

Sorry but images are documentary quality. View in light box and tab through the sequence.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

[Wavelength]

Excellent study of an event; really interesting

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[bje07]

Well documented,
it's like an Airbus 380

[Mike Buckley]

I am often amazed at the details I notice in photos of static objects that I never noticed when I was viewing the physical object itself. So, I can certainly imagine the fascinating, revealing details that you folks who photograph animals in motion notice that you wouldn't otherwise notice.

[Mike Buckley]

In Photos #1 and #5, notice the clump of vegetation perhaps growing on solid footing just below the surface of the water. Is it possible that the clump is the same in both photos? If so, is it likely that the pelican was aiming for it as part of the take-off process?

[Craigie]

Well noticed and captured, Dan.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Just for grins in the OP I re-arranged the photos to give a better look at the body positions at the various stages of one wingbeat/hop as it would be seen if shot at twice the frame rate.

Mike, I don't think there was anything growing there that is either firm enough nor close enough to the bottom to provide any support. Though the water was pretty shallow. Who knows? I've got some shots of how they dive for fish in the shallow water. Different technique than when fishing in deep water.

[bnnrcn]

Nice documentary shots Dan . And those birds are funny

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, Binnur.

...those birds are funny

If you think this was funny wait till you the shots of them fishing.

[IzzieK]

They are kooky kind of birds, Dan...if you see them swimming groups you will find their expressions varies too. We city dwellers do not see much of what you have there in the wilds so the zoo is good enough to visit every now and then...good sequence you have here and good observation. I learned something and that is good. Thanks.