Friday, October 7, 2011

Chincoteague Pelicans

I am link up with the Friday Ark   and Camera Critters

During our visit to Chincoteague NWR last weekend we saw many groups of Pelicans flying over the ocean.

We saw many Pelicans like this early morning sighting below of a  large group flying low over the ocean

After seeing the Brown Pelicans at Chincoteague I looked them up in my field guide. I was surprised to see that the Brown Pelican has also made a stunning comeback after the banning of DDT.  I knew all about the eagles and  DDT but I did not realize how many different birds DDT had an effect on. I am so happy it was been banned. The pelican increased in popultion in the gulf, pacific, atlantic and have expanded to include Maryland. They did have another kind of battle going on with the oil spill in the gulf. I feel sorry for the birds and animals during this time, politians and the big companies do not seem to care about the critters.


This Pelican below was perched on a rock next to the side of the road , it was seen a few days in a row in the same spot. Each time we saw this Pelican it was preening or clean its feathers.


The Brown Pelican have webbed feet and feed mostly on aquatic prey and they can dive for fish.


We watch this Pelican for a little while, he/she did not seem to mind.






The Brown Pelican is one of my favorite birds, they kind of remind me of a prehistoric bird. Very cool looking.

I hope you enjoyed my Chincoteague Pelican and

to see many more cute and wonderful critters please visit the Friday Ark and Camera Critters

31 comments:

Sue said...

Love Pelicans---you're so right-they look positively prehistoric. You've gotten wonderful shots. We couldn't get close to them when we came across them in Nebraska during the spring Migration. I really enjoyed these.

Stewart M said...

Hi there - Brown Pelicans were the first pelican I saw in the wild. We have our own species down South - wonderful huge white birds. Can’t help but say "Pelicans" in a loud voice every time I see them! This causes a few surprised looks in the street and in the car if we have guests! Ah well, I think they are worth it.

Cheers Stewart M - Australia

TexWisGirl said...

they are amazing birds. and you got some really great, close shots of that one!

Jo said...

What stunning birds and what fabulous photos, Eileen. We get whitish pelicans. Your brown ones are positively glossy and beautiful. I too am glad that DDT has been banned. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Blessings, Jo

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I love these birds too~=! Your description of them as prehistoric-looking is quite accurate! Even the way they fly and come in for a landing. Your closeups are great!

magiceye said...

beautifully captured!!
good to know that their numbers are increasing after the ban of DDT

Saun said...

I did enjoy your Chincoteague Pelican. Just beautiful

SquirrelQueen said...

Beautiful shots of the pelicans, I love the close up. Pelicans are my favorite birds to watch when we go over to the coast.

Nature Rambles said...

I've never seen brown pelicans. They're beautiful and I loved going through your photos.

rainfield61 said...

You were so close to them.

Have them told you something funny but interesting?

Debbie said...

awesome close ups of this beauty. i don't think i have ever seen them before!!

have a wonderful weekend!!

Jen Sanford said...

Awww I love those close-up shots!

Indrani said...

Great captures. the close ups of pelicans are too good.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! I'm in love with those fluffy heads!

AVCr8teur said...

Nice close-ups where we can see the details of its head. Now that you mentioned it, pelicans do remind me of Pterodactyls.

VaishVijay said...

Beautiful, especially the 2nd last!

TQ for dropping by my post: Eastbourne Pier.

Kerri Farley said...

Oh I love love love pelicans! I don't see them nearly enough! These are awesome captures!

Kay L. Davies said...

Fabulous shots of this preening pelican, Eileen. We get big white pelicans here in Alberta, but photos of brown pelicans always make me think of the home my parents had for 25+ years on Mexico's Baja Peninsula. "Residentes" (resident foreigners, as opposed to gringo tourists) called them "The San Felipe Air Force" even though they did all their dive-bombing in the water.

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

Andrea said...

Yes your photos are great, love most especially that very vivid feathers in the close up. I haven't heard or read DDT's effects on pelicans, can you brief me. Thanks. But that name of the place looks so difficult to pronounce. haha.

betchai said...

you have gorgeous up close photos of the pelicans, love your pictures.

One said...

Hi Eileen, Really love your shots. I guess you have zoom lens? I took of some ducks but they didn't turn out sharp. Will post 2 of them for Monday Photo Caption. See ya!

lazyclick said...

Great shots of pelican.

Anonymous said...

They really DO look like prehistoric birds... they're so cool! Great shots! =)

Bob Bushell said...

Wow Eileen, that Pelican is paradise. Nice close ups.

eden said...

The pelican is so cute.Beautiful photos as always.Thank you for sharing.

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Beautiful bird.

Regards and best wishes

Animor said...

Wow, so beautiful pelicans, nice to see them very close.

Lina Gustina said...

Enjoying your shots, Eileen. I haven't seen pelicans for a long time...

Thanks for dropping by :)

www.1sthappyfamily.com

My name is Riet said...

HI Eileen. All your bird photo'; are beautiful as always. I love pelicans . We have seen zo many when we were in Florida . My husband used to fish a lot there and they could't wait for the fish he caught . LOL
Have a wonderful week.

Dhemz said...

awwwwww...fantastic shots! thanks for the visit @ gregdemcy.net

Kilauea Poetry said...

I haven't seen any for years. You got some extra nice close ups..very pretty too and ya- prehistoric looking!

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