Thanks for looking in, your comment is appreciated.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for looking SueScott. Nice thing about these big birds, they tend to stay still a lot, makes taking pics easier.

LittleRed (Ron)

Quite right Joe, never thot of that one. Will have to remember them next time. Thanks for looking.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for looking Karin, tis appreciated.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for looking and the thumbs up.

LittleRed (Ron)

And so do our birds. Just a few pics to illustrate that thought. These are of the common (down south that is) Brown Pelican. The first is of the brash juvenile, dressed in his comfy brown outfit ready to hit the road. The second is of an adult in its breeding finery of splashy colours out looking for a suitable mate. The third is of the old, wise senior with his white mantle illustrating his age. One is just starting life, the second has thoughts of making a family (or whatever), while the third is probably just waiting for his chance of the afterlife. Something very similar to us homeo sapiens. We survive as teenagers, find pleasure with family or friends in our midlife, and wait for life in the great beyond when our time comes, whether it be Heaven for Christians, Jannah for Muslims or whatever for those with no beliefs. Regardless, either we go someplace or noplace at our death. That decision is totally up to us alone. Something at my age that I'll be contemplating in the near future

A lot of people would consider the Pelican along with the Vulture to be two of the most ugliest flying creatures alive (discounting the California Condor). But to me there is much beauty to behold in these two. Just watch the Vulture soaring over our lands, never moving his wings for excessive periods of time, just floating along with very little effort (even better than the mighty Bald Eagle). With the Pelican, just watch as a flock of 10 birds or more come slipping silently over the 3 foot waves of the ocean, just a pittance above the water, always in unison, never once touching. These two examples are what makes these birds beautiful in my mind, regardless as to what they look like.

All these pics were taken at Bald Point State Park in Florida, just a stones throw away from Tallahassee. A wonderful place to visit, especially in the spring, where you can spend all day on a white sand beach with little or no other humans in sight. Just you and the birds. I think that all were taken with my 150-600 but some may have been with a 300 prime. Hope you enjoy my story and birds.

LittleRed (Ron)

Juvenile Brown Pelican

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Adult Brown Pelican

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Adult Brown Pelican

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Adult Brown Pelican Pair

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Senior Brown Pelican (only one seen)

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Adult Brown Pelican coming in low

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Adult Brown Pelican landing

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Brown Pelican group get-to-gether

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Thanks for looking quickartist, tis appreciated.

LittleRed (Ron)

thanks kpmac for the nice comment and looking.

LittleRed (Ron)

thanks crafter for looking at my beauties.

LittleRed (Ron)

thanks for looking Mike, is appreciated.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for looking and commenting Swamp-Cork. Tis good hear from you again.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for commenting ed. I agree with you, putting 5 tags on one little bird seems overkill, but if it helps in their survival then it's a good thing. This guy is quite loaded but doesn't come close to one I recorded on the Bolivar Peninsula in north Texas which had 8 tags, 4 on each leg.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks for looking and the kind comment Jan. Yes, the 300 is my favourite, but having the extra reach of the 150-600 sure helps sometimes.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks Architect for the thumbs up, tis appreciated.

LittleRed (Ron)

Thanks fro the comments patrick. Tis the same here as with you, they haven't arrived anywhere near me. Still have over a metre of snow in the front yard and all the water is still hard.
Your correct on the Piper. He was banded by the Great Plains unit. As usual I have sent in the sighting report to the Great Lakes Piping Conservation Team and they have forwarded my info and pictures to the banding unit. Shortly I will be getting information on the history of this bird from them. We are quite lucky where we live as there was last year at least half-a-dozen active successful nests fairly close that we can keep a watch on. Again, thanks for looking.

LittleRed (Ron)