Brown Pelicans are one of those birds that take full advantage of the wind and thermals.
The wave line along the shore must create an upward draft, they will ‘ride the wave’ like seen in this photograph most windy days.
Catching waves breaking, and with luck a mist, is the shot I try for. I think it gives some depth and definition to a scene. It also means I have a bunch of deletes.

No clue where I shoot this, on the Florida coast.
Awesome!
I could watch Pelicans like this all day LOL. Thanks.