Monday, June 15, 2009

Sonoma Coast Pelicans

My Watery Wednesday offering this week is a flock of brown pelicans.

While they are graceful in flight,
landing is something else.
They seem to use their head as a break, plunging it into the water as they land.
Here they are at the mouth of the Russian River, splashing and grooming. They seemed to be washing off the salt in the fresher river water. The gulls splash and groomed as well.
Did you notice the seal in the second photo?

Check out more watery sights here.
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26 comments:

  1. Rob RipmaJune 16, 2009 at 1:15 PM

    It's always fun to watch pelicans. Great shots!

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  2. AnonymousJune 16, 2009 at 1:24 PM

    I have never seen pelicans; you're lucky.

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  3. LeoraJune 16, 2009 at 1:24 PM

    Love that second one. I would love to dive into some water. You make it look enticing.

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  4. Maggie MayJune 16, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    That seems quite exotic tome as the only time we would see pelicans is in the zoo! Great pictures.

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  5. EbieJune 16, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    Ooh, I could hear them singing with joy! Their landing is perfect!

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  6. maryt/theteachJune 16, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    You had me laughing at them, martha! :)

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  7. Jenn JilksJune 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    That is a hoot! Thanks for sharing. Our ducks and geese in My Muskoka are a little more graceful, but they often have to land on ice in April. A whole different story.

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  8. AnonymousJune 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    I've driven by and thru Russian River many times over the years and never really stopped.

    Nice to see the brown pelicans.

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  9. BarbJune 16, 2009 at 2:40 PM

    That pelican landing could be a cartoon. You caught the "action" just at the right moment.

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  10. AprilJune 16, 2009 at 2:45 PM

    Wonderful photos of the pelican landing! They have enormous wings.

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  11. CarlettaJune 16, 2009 at 6:53 PM

    I would have missed the seal if you hadn't mentioned him. :)
    These are truly great action shots!
    My post is here: Carletta’s Captures.

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  12. UnknownJune 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    very graceful...i enjoy your photos. have a nice day!

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  13. MarthaJune 16, 2009 at 9:05 PM

    I love pelicans!

    My Watery Wednesday

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  14. AnonymousJune 16, 2009 at 10:54 PM

    At home in the air as in the water.

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  15. AnonymousJune 17, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    Wonderful birds, a lovely and alive sight.

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  16. ArijaJune 17, 2009 at 4:45 AM

    Seems to me that is a learner pilot. A fully fledged pilot lands with flaps down and head up.

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  17. AnonymousJune 17, 2009 at 6:22 AM

    It's amazing they don't split their heads open! Great Watery Post!

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  18. UnknownJune 17, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    I like how you have caught that pelican landing ...great series!

    Very cool shots :-)

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  19. EG CameraGirlJune 17, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    Fun shots. I'm sure I'd LOVE watching pelicans and their antics.

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  20. LinneaJune 17, 2009 at 3:22 PM

    Great action shots. What a crash landing into the river water! Thanks for visiting my WW post!

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  21. AnonymousJune 17, 2009 at 3:35 PM

    Very interesting birds. Great photos.
    Charlotte

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  22. sunnymamaJune 17, 2009 at 5:13 PM

    Awesome pictures! I haven't seen pelicans before and its really interesting to see the landing pictures too.

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  23. Lisa WilsonJune 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM

    Pelicans are so cool! Those are great!

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  24. Regina June 17, 2009 at 7:36 PM

    Great shots.

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  25. BimJune 18, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    Beautiful photos - the head-break made me laugh a lot :)

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  26. LadynredJune 21, 2009 at 6:18 AM

    The pelican are so fun to watch. Great shots.
    http://sweetagring.com/?p=906

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