p.1 #1 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
It was a quiet morning last Saturday until we noticed that there was a seagull that flapped its wings above water and we saw some splash above but we couldn't figure out what went on or what it was. Two whte pelicans that were standing around and grooming nearby flew immediately to the spot to inspect. The first one scooped up a huge fish. The adult white pelican is not a small bird and its pouch is sizable but the fish struggled inside the pelican's pouch. Actually, the pelican struggled more to swallow that huge fish. It took the pelican about 10 minutes, shaking its entire body to get the prey down the gullet. Yes, it was a case of almost too big, I guess.
The other white pelican in the back looked on but the expression reads more "envious" and waiting, just in case the other pelican somehow throws the prey up.
p.1 #6 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
Bobg657 wrote:
That is a heck of a fish, nice captures!
Thank you, Bob!
louie champan wrote:
Wow, now that is a catch, terrific job in capturing all of this action.
Louie, thank you!
Fred Amico wrote:
So glad you caught (no pun intended) the fish, Joshua. I missed that and didn't realize how big it actually was. Terrific set!
Fred, thank you very much! I didn’t realize how big it was until I chimped right there. I am looking forward to tomorrow, buddy!
BeeBalm wrote:
Fantastic series Joshua
How exciting it must be to capture.
Happy Holidays,
BB
I appreciate your kind comment, BB! Happy Holidays to you and your boy, too!
p.1 #15 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
birdied wrote:
Wow, now that is a huge meal ! I wonder if they ever do take on something that just won't go down so to speak.
Amazing set Joshua.
Birdie
Yes, it sure was. I wonder that myself. As matter of fact, some of us thought that the pelican chocked as its body was shaking quite badly. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment, Birdie!
morris wrote:
Beautifully documented Joshua
Morris
Thank you very much, Morris!
juankgigo wrote:
Not only you got some killer action shot but also in glorious light!
p.1 #17 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
Cool sequence. I witnessed something similar with a brown pelican when in Florida. Similar reaction from nearby pelicans too, just waiting for the bird to give up. I'm sure I was there for about 20 - 30 min, wondering what was going to happen. The bird couldn't get it down. Part of the problem was the first was the wrong way around, tail first. Even tried using sea water as a lubricant (or possibly hoping it would align properly in the pouch filled with water). When I left, I had the impression the pelican was tired and forlorn, but unwilling to give up the prize. Didn't see any fishing line or hooks (not in this bird at least) that might be the cause of the problem, but you never know.
and waiting, just in case the other pelican somehow throws the prey up.
Great capture, Joshua! 
