I was able to catch the take off run of a Galapagos Brown Pelican at the precise moment of lift off. Using its seven and an half foot wingspan and its huge webbed feet to advantage, the pelican is airborne almost immediately, where it will search for its food, and then plunge into the sea to scoop it into the huge pouch beneath its bill. This image is full of energy -- the pelican comes directly towards us, every feather on its wings and tail strikingly visible and rimmed with light. A light spray of water creates a soft halo around its head adding a finishing touch to a dynamic moment in time.