Photos: Pelicans
Taking pictures of pelicans is a great intro to birding photography.
Unlike some of the swifter, smaller birds along the California coast, pelicans can be spotted easily and are easier to photograph as they move slower.
Capture Personality
One day I saw the funniest sight. A huge pelican sat on the wooden railing of the Pismo Beach Pier as tourists, one after another, came up and took photos of the bird staring at them (possibly wanting food). Another time as I relaxed in a hotel room overlooking Ventura Pier a friend called me from the pier, quite upset. A pelican sat on the pier and appeared to be injured. She tried to get ahold of local rescue groups to come help the bird. When a pelican lands nearby, you can't miss it. And that makes for easy photos.
Observe, Capture
Capture only images but do try to catch pelicans in their feeding habits and preening.
Pelicans are like cats -- they can spend a long time cleaning themselves. Preening is the act of grooming their feathers. Cleaning them not only removes parasites and dirt, but also prepares the feathers for more efficient flight.
