No matter how many times I see these rather strange looking birds, I marvel at their aerobatic abilities. A Brown Pelican's wingspan can reach 8 feet. Even the largest of these birds only weigh in at 11 pounds.
Brown pelicans were in grave danger of becoming extinct due to DDT and other pesticides. These pesticides caused pelicans to lay thinner eggs. The eggs would crack during incubation as pelicans stand on their eggs to keep them warm. In the 1970s they were put on the endangered species list.
Once the reason for their demise was concluded, those products were banned, and their population surged. In 2009, they were taken off the Endangered Species list.
While these masters of the air glide 60 feet above the water, pelicans dive straight down, scooping up mouthfuls of water and stunned fish. They drain the water out of their pouch and swallow the fish whole. In this picture you can see the splash of a Brown Pelican as he dives for a meal.
After a little rest,
it's time to take to the air again.
The pelican seems to be able glide just above the surface of the water without expending an ounce of energy.
With the pelican's wings totally extended you get a good idea of it's wingspan.
They look like a happy couple to me.
