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American White Pelicans flew over me at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Orange County CA on Monday October 29 2007
American White Pelicans flew over me at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Orange County CA on Monday October 29 2007		 They were traveling between several of the 11 freshwater ponds at this 300-acre wetland managed by Irvine Ranch Water District
They were traveling between several of the 11 freshwater ponds at this 300-acre wetland managed by Irvine Ranch Water District		 Some flew right over my head! This is full-frame, uncropped. Notice the hook on its beak to hold onto fishy prey.
Some flew right over my head! This is full-frame, uncropped. Notice the hook on its beak to hold onto fishy prey.		 I was amazed to discover this one with a red marker on its right wing!
I was amazed to discover this one with a red marker on its right wing!
The juvenile was tagged in July 2007 in south Idaho by Dept of Fish & Game biologists as part of a multi-year research project
The juvenile was tagged in July 2007 in south Idaho by Dept of Fish & Game biologists as part of a multi-year research project		 I saw a flock of 200 at 7 am on Tuesday November 6 feeding in the San Diego Creek. They ignored the county silt removal project.
I saw a flock of 200 at 7 am on Tuesday November 6 feeding in the San Diego Creek. They ignored the county silt removal project.		 White pelicans swim in groups on the water's surface to feed, unlike Brown Pelicans which dive out of the air into the water
White pelicans swim in groups on the water's surface to feed, unlike Brown Pelicans which dive out of the air into the water		 White pelicans herd the fish into the shallows along the water's edge. They put their heads down, together....
White pelicans herd the fish into the shallows along the water's edge. They put their heads down, together....
and raise their heads, together
and raise their heads, together		 If they catch a fish, they raise their bill to swallow
If they catch a fish, they raise their bill to swallow		 How much fish can a pelican bellican?
How much fish "can a pelican bellican"?		 Some of these non-native carp are huge. And the other pelicans want in on it!
Some of these non-native carp are huge. And the other pelicans want in on it!
To my delight, there are more tagged birds. But I can't read the first digit on two of the red markers.
To my delight, there are more tagged birds. But I can't read the first digit on two of the red markers.		 Black tag 218. Red tag 238. Red tag ?64. Red tag ?29.
Black tag 218. Red tag 238. Red tag ?64. Red tag ?29.		 The pelicans continue to catch fish as I continue on the road to work at the Audubon House
The pelicans continue to catch fish as I continue on the road to work at the Audubon House		 And as the sun sets, they are probably still there. Until the fish run out!
And as the sun sets, they are probably still there. Until the fish run out!

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Joe L. 07-Feb-2008 15:59
Great pictures! Brings back fond memories of excited kids when they'd first spot the white pelicans during the school tours. They're so big and impressive that it was one of the highlights of their tour!
Guest 10-Nov-2007 23:28
These pictures really made my day. I am so happy to have them. Lois J.
Guest 09-Nov-2007 05:17
These are fantastic images, thanks for sharing. julie b
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