American White Pelican

The American White Pelican is a huge, snow-white waterbird with a long neck and massive bill. A large plate forms on the upper bill of breeding adults as shown in my photo. Adults are usually silent. In aggressive and sexual encounters, they emit frequent low, brief grunts. Chick embryos squawk before hatching to express discomfort if conditions get too hot or cold. They are seasonally monogamous and do not mate for life.
My photo was taken at a nature preserve with Canon equipment. The water was still and the conditions ideal for capturing reflections. I chose to edit this in b&w. The beauty of the bird was not enhanced by the small amount of color in the bird's head and feet areas.