This was the ‘now what’ scene.

Whenever we come across a huge flock, whether it’s feeding Spoonbills,  migrating Swans, or here the edge of a Pelican rookery it’s the same.

Where to point, what to shoot, well you can almost spin in a circle.

I try to do the same thing each time. Shoot wide as the lens will allow. Here 150mm, which is not really wide.  Getting the scene of all the birds is the story. Of course if they all jumped up and left right away I’d be really disappointed (it has happened in the marshes).

Above is the edge of Bird Key, a small coastal barrier island. At this time of year thousands of Pelicans nest here. It’s a protected reserve, and the state DNR comes around to be sure they are left undisturbed.

Small young birds, still white, can be seen in the background above. Adults come and go, or rest in the surf.

The entire key is filled like this. In size it’s about 35 acres. Not all that big which is why they are packed on top of each other. Trees in a Heron rookery are full like this too so it’s not unusal.