Nikon D300 Salad | American Pelican

Nikon D300 Salad | American Pelican

Nikon D300 Salad | American Pelican   Yes, the Pelicans are so much fun to watch as they play.  They are always the highlight of spring walkabouts.  Of course, they are probably not playing, but they just seem like clowns to me.  It’s fun watching them between clicks on their perch; a log partially submerged.

The American White Pelican is a large, majestic bird in flight. Their bodies measure up to 5 feet in length, their bills can reach 14 inches, and their wing spans up to 9 feet.  In the breeding season, they have a flattened “horn” on the upper bill.  They shed the horn after mating. Males and females look exactly alike except the female is a bit smaller.  For more American Pelican images, see American Pelicans 2019 | a 7 Image Story.

The Back Story  This image turned out to be a simple click after using a monopod while slowly moving close enough for a click.     Note: I post an image everyday at hankconrad.com.

Details…

EventDaily Walkabout
LocationNorthern Illinois Slough
Date/Time3/21/2011  3:32pm Local Time
WeatherMostly Cloudy | 47°F | Light Winds
MethodUsed a monopod while slowing moving close enough for a click.
GearNikon D300 with an AF 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR lens
Exposure
400mm (600mm)  f/10  1/640s  0ev  800iso
Post

Nikon 1 V3 Hodgepodge | Soft Landing

Nikon 1 V3 Hodgepodge | Soft Landing

Nikon 1 V3 Hodgepodge | Soft Landing   Gear down, flaps down, cleared to land.  It’s a good landing if you can float away from it.  The American Pelican’s nine foot wingspan looks pretty impressive when landing.  They are truly majestic birds.  Their bodies measure up to 5 feet in length, their bills can reach 14 inches, and their wing spans up to 9 feet.  For more information about these magnificent birds, see American Pelicans 2019 | a 7 Image Story.

The Back Story    The pelicans don’t seem to mind humans around them as long as they keep their distance.  Of course, a long lens is necessary.  Note: I post an image everyday at hankconrad.com.

Details…

EventExtended Walkabout
LocationLocal Lake
Date/Time4/18/2020  5:38pm Local Time
WeatherFair Windy | 59°F | Strong Wind Gusts
MethodBurst of clicks, handheld.
GearNikon 1 V3 with a Nikon FT-1 Adapter & Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR lens
Exposure
300mm (810mm)  f/5.6  1/2000s  -0.33ev  900iso
Post

Spring Potpourri | American Pelican Landing

Spring Potpourri | American Pelican Landing

Spring Potpourri | American Pelican Landing   Gear down, flaps down, cleared to land.  It’s a good landing if you can float away from it.  The American Pelican’s nine foot wingspan looks pretty impressive when landing.  They are truly majestic birds.  Their bodies measure up to 5 feet in length, their bills can reach 14 inches, and their wing spans up to 9 feet.  For more information about these magnificent birds, see American Pelicans 2019 | a 7 Image Story.

Spring Walkabout Birds | American White Pelican

Spring Walkabout Birds | American White Pelican

Spring Walkabout Birds | American White Pelican  Gear down, flaps down, clear to splash!  It’s a good landing if you can float away.  Although they are one the heaviest flying birds in the world, American White Pelicans are strong fliers who alternate flapping and soaring.  Their large yet narrow wingspan makes soaring easier.  Their bodies measure up to 5 feet in length, their bills can reach 14 inches, and their wing spans up to 9 feet.  In the breeding season, they have a flattened “horn” on the upper bill.  They shed the horn after mating.  Males and females look exactly alike except the female is a bit smaller.  And, they’re such clowns when flocked together on the water.  For the whole story with all images, see Spring Walkabout Birds | a 7 Image Story.