Should I be worried about this Pelican? I just adore Pelicans and have so much fun trying to do justice to their muted, but stunning beauty with my camera! This first Pelican was such...

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

I just adore Pelicans and have so much fun trying to do justice to their muted, but stunning beauty with my camera! This first Pelican was such a friendly poser, while all the rest kept a safe distance up in the trees or on the water. Now I think I know why and am wondering if I should follow up with a game warden?

These images were taken on Friday on Sanibel, but it wasn't until I got back to Maine that I downloaded them, which is when I first noticed what appears to be a fishing line dangling among the feathers of his wing, that may be grounding him.

Accepting advice on both the Pelican and my images. These are the first I've attempted to process in Photoshop, so I'm feeling a more than a little nervous about posting....

Brown Pelican, entangled?

Seashore Pelican headshot

Treetop Pelican

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kerfree wrote:

I just adore Pelicans and have so much fun trying ... (show quote)

Yes, that is a strange looking neck.

crissx09 Loc: FL-USA

kerfree wrote:

I just adore Pelicans and have so much fun trying ... (show quote)

You show the pelican without distractive background on the first 2 pics? Well done..The third one is very beautiful. Good work.

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

Unfortunately, there is probably nothing you can do about the fishing line. I have seen this problem on North Carolina's Outer Banks, and I have called the National Park Service with the bird's location. They will try to round him up and take him/her for treatment. Great photos, especially #3.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

jerryc41 wrote:

Yes, that is a strange looking neck.

Hi Jerry, It is a strange looking neck! Wish mine had that much flexibility!!

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

crissx09 wrote:

You show the pelican without distractive background on the first 2 pics? Well done..The third one is very beautiful. Good work.

Thank you so much Crissx, for taking a moment to look and encourage! Much appreicated!

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Thank you PhotoPhred, both for sharing your experience in similar circumstances and for your kind comments!

PhotoPhred wrote:

Unfortunately, there is probably nothing you can do about the fishing line. I have seen this problem on North Carolina's Outer Banks, and I have called the National Park Service with the bird's location. They will try to round him up and take him/her for treatment. Great photos, especially #3.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

These are beautiful images, Kerry! Sad to think about the fishing line, probably happens much more than we'd like to know. I'd probably call just for my own peace of mind.

barbedwire Loc: Quesnel, BC Canada

I love your Pelican pics!! I wish we had some over here. It might be a good idea to inform someone about the possible fishing line entangled in his wings. There are great people out there that would love to check on him.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Beautiful shots, Kerry. Very well done!

I would call your Fish and Wildlife Department and report the pelican's potential problem. Possible even your local Animal Control might be able to help, or if you have anyone doing wildlife rehabilitation, they usually have the license to deal with wild birds.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent shots Kerfree.Looking at the download It definatly
looks like fishing line and maybe the hook is still attached.With luck the hook will rust and fall out but as Treepusher says report it to your local animal welfare people.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Thank you, Linda, for enjoying my Pelicans :) and for encouraging me to call. I just got off the phone with the Sanibel wildlife rehabilitation center and was told they rescued a Pelican from the same general area this weekend, so hopefully it is my guy!

Linda From Maine wrote:

These are beautiful images, Kerry! Sad to think about the fishing line, probably happens much more than we'd like to know. I'd probably call just for my own peace of mind.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Thank you so much barbedwire! I checked out your bio and posts - we share a love for wildlife photography - love your funny goat picture and your birds!

barbedwire wrote:

I love your Pelican pics!! I wish we had some over here. It might be a good idea to inform someone about the possible fishing line entangled in his wings. There are great people out there that would love to check on him.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Treepusher wrote:

Beautiful shots, Kerry. Very well done!

I would call your Fish and Wildlife Department and report the pelican's potential problem. Possible even your local Animal Control might be able to help, or if you have anyone doing wildlife rehabilitation, they usually have the license to deal with wild birds.

Thank you Randy, for your always kind comments! Leave it to a vet to know what to do!

After a few phone calls, I finally found a real animal rescuer at a wildlife rehabilitation center on Sanibel. He suggested that I go back out to the beach to check to see if he is still there and let him know.... oh if only I could! Anyway, the good news is that a Pelican from the same general area was rescued this weekend and it could be him. Hope so!

By the way I am making slow but steady progress with photoshop, thanks to your encouragement on starting that journey! I found a cat that let me take his picture and I'm saving it for someday when I'm far enough along to create some Treepusher magic ;)

Emm5

Very nice shots!