Friday, November 22, 2013

Pelican Mafia

Minutes after the R-rated incident (see previous post), a gang of white pelicans came to show the cormorants who was boss.
The shamed couple. They apparently called in friends from high places.
Immediately after they swam away from the "holier than thou" cormorants, pelicans soon filled the sky.








You mess with the pelicans and you get the beaks.



Viewing platform. It was a beautiful and pleasant 72 degrees.

My set up

The pelican migration is happening earlier this year; as many as 300 were counted around the LSU Lakes. One poor pelican got caught in a fishing line, tearing up a wing pretty badly. After flailing around for a couple of hours, it was cut free from the line by Animal Control and brought to LSU Vet School for treatment and antibiotics. Thankfully, he will be fine and will find his flock eventually. It is imperative to take care of your fishing lines properly, where wildlife cannot be harmed.

Here is an article about our early Pelican migration if you have time, or are interested in reading more about it.

Sharing with Skywatch Friday.
Sharing with Weekly Top Shot
Thanks, hosts!

40 comments:

Anita Johnson said...

We have a flock of white pelicans that visit a marsh near here once a year...such a treat to see these birds up north. Your photos are amazing...perhaps the use of a tripod is a good habit to get into...the detail in your photos is wonderful!

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm so jealous you have gotten to see a pelican migration! I have never seen a pelican and would really LOVE to.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love the pics of them flying and landing!

hootnonny said...

Must be exciting to watch! Hope you were wearing a hat.

TexWisGirl said...

love the skidding in. glad the pelican was rescued and treated!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Love the landing shot and the foursome. So sad about the injured pelican. Hope he finds companions to migrate with when he's released.

I watched the news video about the rescue, and I have to say...people talk funny in Louisiana. :)

renae said...

Oh Gail these birds are spectacular but your photography supersedes them. If your climate doesn't warrant boots then more power to you. I hope I inspire dreams and not foster envy. hahahahaha What's a thrift stylist to do? LOL

Anonymous said...

Excellent. And, good reminder to take care with fishing tackle.

The pelican, his bill can hold more than his belly can
Dianne.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh you make me laugh and as always your photos are a feast for my eyes. Incredible. Hug B

Anonymous said...

Wat geweldig mooi zoveel pelikanen bij elkaar .

Kim Stevens said...

The pelican, brown or white, is just one of my very favorite coastal birds. They have eyes that speak volumes. I did notice a couple of weeks ago that I saw some white pelicans and thought, that seems a little early. Great shots

Deanna said...

Oh what great captures of those very interesting birds. Love that shot of the spread wings with the black tips...great series, Gail!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Excellent shots. I think a Pelican in flight is one of the prettier sights to witness.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Your photos tell wonderful stories of the birds! I love the ones of the pelicans coming in for a landing--beautiful captures!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love it when birdies land ... it is my favorite part ... so graceful. or at least most of the time. ( :

awesome shots!!

Richard Pegler said...

Utterly gorgeous photography, Gail. I love them all. The light is fantastic too.

eileeninmd said...

I love the pelicans, you have some awesome photos too. I am happy to hear the one Pelican caught in the fishing line will be OK. Wonderful post, Gail. Happy weekend!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Oh my gosh, these are super photos! You have a wonderful point of view there too. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great viewing area. YOur photos are beautiful. Glad to hear that the entangled bird was rescued.

Shug said...

Beautiful!! Outstanding photography!
I think just might need to move. There's not much around here to take pictures of! Maybe a few ducks, but I'd have to be out there by 5:00 in the morning in order to see em'
I'm trying not to be jealous!! lol
Have a good weekend..
shug

Hilary said...

Wonderful, enjoyable photos, Gail. I hate that birds get so injured by fishing line. It bothers me to see so many around that are simply discarded. I know we always pocket our torn lines.. they're just too deadly.

Pallavi said...

Oh they are so beautiful! I absolutely enjoyed reading the pelican R rated post.. Hehe.. It was hilarious :) I like your spot.. Gives you a great view of the pelicans . I hope the little one who injured its wing gets well soon! Have a great day :)

Brian King said...

Fantastic shots, Gail! I especially like the splash down and group photos! It was certainly a beautiful day...great blue background!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful sight!

rainfield61 said...

Oh, no wonder the pictures are all so sharp, and beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Compared to the drab brown pelicans here, the whites are a beautiful sight for me.

Fantastic captures as always Gail:)

Lmkazmierczak said...

I think of Pelicans as being ungainly, but you show them in their elegance♪ Have a wonder filled weekend! http://lauriekazmierczak.com/i-have-been-blessed/

Stephanie said...

Too funny, Gail :) Such beautiful pictures, my friend. I always appreciate your talent! Big hugs!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous nature photography ~ Wow!
thanks, carol, xxx

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous nature photography ~ Wow!
thanks, carol, xxx

Vagabonde said...

Your photos are so good and clear. It is not easy to take pictures of birds in flight – at least for me it is not. What a great series of pelican shots.

Ann said...

breathtakingly beautiful!!
i clicked on to read the article and found it very interesting. i didn't know much about pelican migration!


Barbara said...

Awesome shots, Gail! Glad that pelican will be okay.

Karen said...

Fab shots! I love pelicans

Stewart M said...

I can't help but like pelicans - I always take "just one more" shot.

Great collection of pictures.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Rosemary Aubut said...

My absolute favorite bird! They always put a smile on my face! You have captured them beautifully!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I really like the landing shots... interesting how they brake with their feet! Great post, Gail.

Donna said...

What a wonderful sight to see all the pelicans.

Willow said...

That's amazing. We don't have Pelican in our neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing them :)
,

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Well that couple needed the help -- those cormorants looked mean as heck! I'm glad the one was rescued -- those rehab places do great work.