p.2 #1 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
Amazing set of shots! The pelican is lucky it did not get stuck half way down, but I suppose a pelican knows what it can swallow. That has to be at the upper limit.
p.2 #5 · No, it didn't go down easily - that's for sure
KCollett wrote:
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.
Hi Ken, thank you for your kind comment and for sharing your experience. It seems to me that the pelican in my case is an experienced adult. It knew how to make the adjustment. The first image from that sequence was when it just scooped up the fish water and all. I could see the orientation of the fish. But it emptied the water from the pouch and made the adjustment. The first image in the post above was actually my 3rd frame. Going in the wrong way, in the case of the pelican you witnessed is definitely a no-no.
Ted ellis wrote:
Excellent series Joshua.
Thank you very much, Ted!
dclark wrote:
Amazing set of shots! The pelican is lucky it did not get stuck half way down, but I suppose a pelican knows what it can swallow. That has to be at the upper limit.
Dave
Thank you very much, Dave! I agree with you that it could be about the upper limit.
