American White Pelican – White on Blue – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The weather has changed here in northern Utah and temps have finally gotten cooler. Snow has already fallen along Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains and in some areas of the Wasatch Mountain range too. Yesterday the high only got to 62°F here at home which was lower than some of the low temps last week when we were still having temps in the upper 90’s and even a day that reached 100°F. It feels marvelous to have cooler days after a summer where there were days that were just too hot.
As usual when the temps start dropping I think of the birds I might see during migration, the birds I’ll see here during the winter and about the birds I will miss while they are on their wintering grounds.
The American White Pelicans that breed here in northern Utah will be migrating soon and some have already begun their long journeys. While thinking about that last night I remembered this photo I took of an American White Pelican earlier this year while I was at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in April and about how much I enjoy seeing this big, white, charismatic birds on the wing. The refuge is an oasis in the desert and although it is a long, dusty drive from Salt Lake City birders and bird photographers believe that going there is well worth the trip.
I photographed this pelican after it lifted off from the water at the refuge, the background is actually part of the Fish Spring Mountains, I am not sure what caused the single whitish specular highlight below and in front of the pelican but I decided to leave it as it was. The lighting I had wasn’t the best but for some reason I really like this photo of the American White Pelican on the wing over the refuge because of the contrasts between the whites and blues in the frame.
I haven’t been to Fish Springs NWR since April, I may need to pack a picnic lunch and head out there on a day trip again soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American White Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.
Bright blue skies over Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D810, f10, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light
The pelican contrasted against that milky blue sky is gorgeous. Your NWR landscape pic is equally beautiful and gives me the impression it hasn’t changed significantly in a thousand years. Thanks Mia.
How I love your pelican. And the sky he is sailing though.
I hope you can get back for that picnic. Soon.
Wonderful photo, Mia; I too love these awesome creatures. There is a wonderful story about Pelicans soaring high above the Tetons, as written by the naturalist author Jack Turner in his book, “The Abstract Wild”. While on his back near the Teton crest and looking skyward, he spied white specs that he later determined were pelicans soaring at 20,000 feet. Hearing their calls, he postulates they are “expressing their pure joy with laughter”. Hope to photograph Brown Pelicans tis week-end while helping with the semi annual Brown Pelican count here in NorCal. Be well!
Wow! He’s a beaut with that big ridge. Hope you get out and among ’em soon.
Great shot of the Pelican and NWR!
Beautiful country!
Look at the blue of the sky. The scenic photo is awesome. Love the American White Pelican photo too.