This is a breeding adult pelican. A yellow plate forms on the upper bill of breeding adults. I have seen a few pelicans at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area recently. They must be passing through. I have also seen them here in the fall, perhaps going the other direction in their migration routes.

Some "Cool Facts" from: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_White_Pelican/overview

- Contrary to cartoon portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans never carry food in their bill pouches. They use them to scoop up food but swallow their catch before flying off.

- They forage almost exclusively by day on their wintering grounds, but during breeding season, they commonly forage at night. Even though it’s hard to see, nighttime foraging tends to result in larger fish being caught than during the daytime.

- The oldest known American White Pelican at least 23 years, 6 months old and was banded in North Dakota in 1983.