Just a Little Prehistoric ©

The pelicanis a large bird and is known for the pouch in its beak, which the pelican uses to scoop fish out of the water.

The pterodactyl, sorry, the Brown Pelican is an enormous bird with some species having a wingspan of well over 9 feet 9 inches.  Other species of pelican are much smaller and tend to live on land rather than spending their lives at sea.

This comically elegant bird with its oversized bill, winding and curving neck, and big dark body glides above the surf along the southern coast of La Jolla in southern California. It rises and falls in the shadows of the sun with the echo of the ocean waves in the background.

The pelican feeds by plunge-diving from high in the sky, using the force of its impact to stun small fish before scooping them up in its bill.  As the pelican is draining the water from its bill after a dive, gulls often try to steal the fish right out of its pouch. 

                                                                                     

But don't feel sorry for the pelican--it is not above stealing fish itself! It may follow fishing boats and hang out around piers waiting for its opportunity!

(Copyright 2015)