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Laura Milholland | all galleries >> Scenics/Trips >> Monterey & Pacific Grove - Fall 2012 >> Brown Pelicans at the Wharf > Pelican with Huge Fish in Mouth
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27-NOV-2012 Laura Milholland

Pelican with Huge Fish in Mouth

Monterey Wharf, Monterey, CA


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Laura Milholland25-Mar-2020 16:09
Kyle - To answer some of your questions. . . .
- I'm not positive of the kind of fish, but it may be a kind of rockfish.
- the shot was taken over 6 years ago in Monterey, CA, but my recollection was that the pelican stole the fish from a fishermen there at the wharf so it had been out of water for a bit and I don't think it was still thrashing. Though they do catch fish live out of the water themselves as well - and yes, they swallow them whole, still flopping about.

For more info on Brown Pelicans, this site has some interesting info:
https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/birds/brown-pelican/
Thanks again for your visit to my photo gallery.
Kyle 17-Mar-2019 19:53
Amazing capture! That looks like a big (do you know what kind and can you see it thrashing inside the pouch?) fish caught and staring down it’s captors throat here!

So can the pelican really manage the struggle and gulp that whole thing okay?? Does the fish put up a good fight, if eaten, does the unlucky prey get swallowed wriggling as well?
Steve Thuman09-Aug-2014 01:29
Now that's a mouthful!
Ann08-Aug-2014 17:50
Wow, he sure seems to have a mouthful.
Ed Duverger08-Aug-2014 16:20
Yes,and there is room for more..
Ruth Voorhis08-Aug-2014 01:05
A very contented pelican.:) Excellent shot of it, Laura.
parrothouse07-Aug-2014 16:00
I think I detect a smile. Nice sharp close up.