Pelicans were trying to steal a few of the fish pushed by some Dolphins here. There are many spits along the ocean here, I was on one, the action down a little further on another.
Sometimes it’s better, for perspective, to be a little distance away.
No free fish for the Pelicans this time.
Another local that has been getting ignored here lately.
Some birds are just a little ‘different’ than other birds. Pelicans are near the top of that list.
In flight they are graceful and agile.
Other times not so much.
These photographs were taken around Charleston harbor and the adjacent inlets and creeks.
Pelicans are one of those big birds that just don’t get up in the air easily. Their big wings work hard, but the bird almost runs along the surface to get enough momentum to fly.
This Pelican was almost bouncing on the water.
I photographed the start to finish take off because if you’ve never witnessed it you’ll find it fairly amusing.
Click, or double tap, any image below to view the gallery.
The fish were right in the middle, no place to go.
I have tried to describe a Dolphin charging just under the surface of the water. It’s like the water swells around them. The photograph above does a better job than I can.
These Dolphin hit the shore and the Pelicans were landing at the same time. They must have a great view from above to know where and when to appear.
This day Dolphins were strand feeding on the far side of this small inlet, away from my usual spot. It was later in the day and a group of people were standing too close to the waters edge.
Above the Dolphins were rolling to their right side and pushing back into the water. It’s always a right side roll.
This was impressive. The 3 Dolphin pushed fish to the shore. Waiting for them were 3 Pelican. Neither side gave any ground.
I have not seen too many scenes like this shooting wildlife. It was spectacular.
A different composition and perspective, done in sepia.
All my previous work on the project has been from the land looking towards the water. Here is the opposite direction.
The pelicans preferred it this way too I think.
This Pelican was caught not being ready once this day. He looked determined if Dolphin came up the point again.
The Dolphin pushed the fish right to his spot. I give the Pelican credit because he jumped in middle of this. He didn’t get anything but really did try his best.
Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery.
Even the Pelican was surprised at this one. There was only one big splash, which I never did see.
This stranding was down the shore from my spot, along a steep incline.
Pelicans will steal fish right in the middle of a feeding. This one never had the opportunity.
From start to finish this chase was just 5 seconds.
