Pelicans on Bird Survey: Pinellas NWR 10-14-16

They're back!!!

 "Our" wintering White Pelicans are back and it's always a thrill to see them.  Once threatened with habitat loss and degradation, changing water levels, human disturbance, and pollution, American White Pelicans have recovered quite well and are expanding eastward, now even breeding in Wisconsin.

 The count of those resting on the west end of Tarpon Key was close to 300.

Contrary to cartoon portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans don't carry food in their bill pouches.  They use them to scoop up food fish but swallow their catch before flying off.


A flock of White Pelicans riding a thermal above the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as they glide across Tampa Bay heading south toward Sarasota.

And a lone Turkey Vulture



Preening adult Brown Pelican

 A young pelican doing its pouch-stretching exercises which are necessary to maintain the elasticity of the pouch and keep it flexible  for its fish catching duties. 




Young Brown Pelican watching us watch him.