I was able to catch these photographs as this shrimper made the turn past the entry buoy.
The pile following close behind was as big as any I’ve seen here.
There was no polite etiquette here, just grab a spot and see if something went overboard.
The Gulls were not bothered by the bigger Pelicans. In fact they may have done better.
Charleston Harbor.
They looked to be having a hard time keeping their eyes open. I’m guessing late afternoon nap time.
Found on a walk, his walk.
They will go where ever they want, and probably have a good reason.
Jekyll Island, Florida.
Now this is a problem, he has no thumbs.
Probably stepped on the clam, the clam slammed shut, and now it’s a wait and see.
In reality, this is not uncommon. It is rare for the bird to come by and give us such a perfect opportunity though.
Sooner or later the clam, the claw, or both will fall off.
The Playboy, a commercial shrimper, was returning to unload the days catch. We were in the right place and I even caught the boat turning past the entrance buoy to the piers.
Great Egrets had already joined the crew at this point.
The Pelicans and Gulls were already making moves at the stern as she turned.
When she pulled closer I saw they had been cleaning scraps and unwanted fish were going overboard. Pushing and shoving had already started… and they were still in the harbor.
Charleston Harbor
If you look out to the buoy and see a shrimper returning to port, like this one, immediately it’s a battery and memory card check.
Look at all the birds. Better yet, this is a small sampling because others are coming in from all directions. The dinner bell has been rung.
As soon as the nets are pulled in the next chore is cleaning and sorting the catch. Shrimp and fish that are not to be sold go overboard.
Even the Great Egrets fly out to sea for the ride back in.
The next hour or so all these birds, and a few hundred more compete for fish and shrimp. The crew fight some off, ultimately give up, and then just go about their business.
Some Pelicans become pirates and raid the ship, climb in the holding tanks, and in general steal anything not nailed down.
Of course Ellen and I set up just across from the commercial dock to photograph the chaos.
I have no idea how I am going to sort through the days shoot.
Charleston Harbor.
These are a few shots of the slow and lazy side of a Brown Pelican. Actually most of the time this is their life.
A prehistoric bird in everyway.
The bird passed by heading into the piers of a marina on the Charleston Harbor.
There is an old fort in the background. Most people assume this is Fort Sumter. Actually there are multiple forts along town waters, this one being Fort Pickney.
