Brown Pelicans are the only member of the Pelican family that actually dive for their catch. And by dive I mean from way up high. No soft landings either.
This series shows a Pelican, crash fishing, in a marsh inlet at low tide. To add a little more drama the background above is oyster beds. Sharp oyster shells, thousands of them.
I always feel they should pull up a little right before the splash.
But just the opposite. Above you can see the Pelican stick his neck and head out into the crash. Ouch !
The water isn’t deep here either.
And finally above, the fish was getting away so the bird splashed and flapped a little more chasing him.
Just as sudden as the dive, it’s all over. The Pelican catches his breath, bill a little full.
In a minute or two he flies back up, looking to do it all over again.
It’s really a spectacular show.
What on earth? I’d never have imagined a diving pelican, who’d have thought? !!
They are big birds, like all Pelicans, but fly in flocks and dive. They stay on the shore and inlets. I have only ever seen one in land by the swamps.
Very interesting Ted. It seems lots of countries have pelicans of one sort or another but not NZ!
I would have thought NZ would be perfect for them. Big and prehistoric looking. Really clumsy on land, but elegant in the air.
Its strange we don’t. They’re in Australia. Maybe they like it a little warmer than here. Can’t say I blame them!