This article includes more photographs than usual, however you will see why.
Below, I started to track and shoot as the Pelican flew towards me and this wasn’t even my first shot. He just kept coming straight at me.
Standing on the bank I at first assumed he would pull up and over me even if it was really low. I was so wrong.
This was taken at my shortest lens length, 150mm. You can see a few strands of grass as I pointed downward. The shot above was when I knew for sure he was diving right on the bank, his head turned for the impact.
I did not get wet, but really how close could he dive without hitting the bottom!
Above, he caught something but I never did see it.
The only other times I have been in the splash pattern were from a small boat. I still have no idea why he picked this spot. He came from a long ways to get here.
My guess is he really did want to just fly over me, water was behind me too. Probably a last minute decision.
Once again, you never know what you might see out there.
Oh my, what an encounter – face to face with this bird! I bet you were getting ready to duck or dive. What super action shots! Well done for holding your ground! 🙂
😂😂, I had to laugh at your last comment, holding my ground. That is exactly the ‘bad’ habit I have. More than once it was an Alligator, not Pelican. I just keep shooting, and have had them suddenly out of focus. Which means they are inside the minimum zone 🤣🤣.
What we do for the art of photography … eh? Just don’t try it with a charghing rhinocerous if you ever happen to come across one 😉
I think instinct might kick in around then..LOL
Great close ups of his face. What was your expression like?😊
It was a good thing no one else was there to see LOL