Before summer begins, I wanted to share these American White Pelican portraits that I took along the shoreline of my local pond.
American White Pelican portrait with a split horn – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f11, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love portraits of my feathered subjects and these images show why. I love all the fine feather details, the close-up view of the pelican’s eyes, and the wispy head feathers they develop in breeding plumage. Plus, the views of the horny plates these pelican have during the early part of their breeding season.
Adult American White Pelican portrait at a local pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f11, 1/1250, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
By standing still at my local pond, behind my tripod, I am able to take numerous portraits of the pelicans that visit to eat the fish in the pond.
Every time I have these big, white pelicans in my viewfinder, I feel joy. How could I not?
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American White Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.
Exquisite detail; rich colors , great composition and this handsome guy is ready for the cover of Gentleman’s Quarterly magazine. Thanks Mia.
These are beautiful, I need to revisit the thousands I took there over a few days. Still have not heard back from the parks guy. I wonder if he is too busy with flood control in the city parks. I might try to call and send the flyer again Wednesday.
White Pelicans are such interesting birds — especially as both males and females have those horns and don’t lose them until after the eggs are laid. These are wonderful portraits, Mia. Thank you!
Gorgeous portraits. I feel like I could run my fingers through the silky feathers. And the mud on Bill and face makes it so much more than just another pretty face bird portrait.
Gorgeous birds – and those horns fascinate me.