Every winter, thousands of American White Pelicans gather on the shores of Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, creating one of the region's most spectacular wildlife displays.

Just a few weeks after this photograph was taken, these magnificent birds began their long migration north to their breeding grounds in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Photographing a pelican in flight is more challenging than it might appear. Although they are large birds, they're surprisingly fast and can change direction without warning. Tracking one against a bright sky while handholding the camera, maintaining focus, and releasing the shutter at precisely the right moment requires patience, practice, and more than a little luck.

This image was captured handheld with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II paired with the M.Zuiko 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO lens. The camera's outstanding image stabilization made the shot possible, but timing and technique ultimately made the difference.

Every winter, I look forward to the return of these graceful visitors. Their annual migration to Lake Chapala is one of nature's great spectacles and a highlight of the season for bird photographers.

Camera settings: f/22 • 1/50 sec • ISO 200