"Brown Pelican"

600mme · f/4.0 · 1/4000 · ISO 160

What an interesting color pattern on this Brown Pelican. It complements the background perfectly. To capture this shot, I had to get low to the ground because the original background was too busy. Changing my angle transformed it into the roof of the fish house, creating a much cleaner composition.

Like raptors, Pelicans were nearly wiped out during the mid-20th century because of the pesticide DDT. Thanks to conservation efforts and the banning of DDT, they've made an incredible comeback—a reminder that conservation really can make a difference.

The Brown Pelican has always been my favorite seabird. They're a lot of fun to watch, whether gliding in formation just inches above the water or making spectacular plunge dives to catch fish.

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