An American White Pelican enjoying a wonderful spring sunset high in the Rocky Mountains. The grass is just greening up around the edges of the lake but the Pelicans have arrived on their way to the boreal forests where many breed. A sure sign summer is on it’s way.
nature has no boss 
I love the teardrop of yellow encompassing his eye. The gentle shape of him brings to mind the grace and beauty of the swan. He’s lovely 🌷
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Hi Ellie, we really like the White Pelicans and glad you feel the same. They are graceful and such powerful fliers for being so heavy.
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We’ve seen huge flocks fly over Iowa. Some stay here for the summer.
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HI Jim, there used to be a festival for the pelicans on a lake where we once lived near heralding their return as the beginning of summer.
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Great numbers of them pass along the Mississippi flyway each spring. Wet lowlands look snow covered.
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They are fun to watch fly overhead when in large flocks. That bright white with black wing-tips is a tell tale sign of pelicans soaring way up high.
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Such elegant birds
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Hi Miriam, they are wonderful birds so large yet able to fly so high.
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How exciting that must be when the pelicans arrive, a real favorite of mine. Lovely photo, Mike, the sun seems to be glowing in that massive bill.
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HI Jet, we did get lucky with the evening light. It seems to shine right through their bills.
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So prehistoric-looking. I didn’t realize that they have horny protrusions on the beak. Right out of the Jurassic. 😉
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HI eliza, we have been told they get those bumps during breading season. Both males and females get them and they decrease after breeding.
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Huh, I wonder why and what purpose it serves. Sexy to a pelican? ;D
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💕
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Thanks.
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What an extraordinary beauty.
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Thanks Paula, they are massive and elegant at the same time which seems quite a feat.
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