Feb. 24, 2013 - White Pelicans

At Ding Darling NWR, on Sanibel Island, FL, we saw several large flocks of American White Pelicans. During the winter, they migrate to our southern ocean coasts. However, many people are surprised to learn that these birds nest inland, in central Canada and the western United States. Minnesota is on the eastern edge of their nesting territory and we have several colonies of White Pelicans. They choose to set up their breeding colonies on small islands so their nests, which are on the ground, are protected from predators.
Pelican American White Ding Darling Wildlife Drive Sanibel Island 20130130
With a wing span of 9 feet, White Pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America. They are very graceful fliers, often soaring in large groups, high in the sky.
Pelican American White flight Ding Darling Wildlife Drive Sanibel Island 20130130
Here’s one of the pelicans coming in for a landing. When they hit the water, they skid along on those huge, webbed feet and it looks like they’re waterskiing.
Pelican American White flight Ding Darling Wildlife Drive Sanibel Island 20130130
These four pelicans are shown in the early morning light, swimming near the mangroves.
Pelican American White group Ding Darling NWR Sanibel Island 20130126
This pelican is beginning to show its breeding plumage. Notice the knob starting to develop on the top of its bill near the middle. This growth is found on both male and female pelicans but its purpose in the breeding process is not well known. White Pelicans also develop short, yellow plumes on their heads as part of their breeding plumage. They can be seen trailing at the back of the head on this bird.
Pelican American White flight Ding Darling Wildlife Drive Sanibel Island 20130130
Compared to most birds, the Brown Pelican, on the right, is quite large. However, it looks small when standing next to a White Pelican, which is almost twice as heavy. I think the posture of the two birds is exaggerating the height difference because the Brown Pelican is 48-50 inches tall and the White Pelican is 60-63 inches tall.
Compare Pelican White Brown Ding Darling NWR Sanibel Island 20130127

Paul
on February 26, 2013
Greetings Earl; I had never seen these pelicans until 2005 until I was traveling around the USA. I was in and around Chester California, and Lake Almanor when I saw them. I was driving back toward Chester, over the bridge over Lake Almanor, when some of them flew over in my line of sight. I was so startled, mainly because I had never seen them before, that I think I almost ran off the road. It was certainly a treat to see these magnificent birds for the first time. Thanks for sharing.

Feb. 24, 2013 - White Pelicans

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Paul