"CAN YOU DO THIS? I CAN'T"

Pelican (American White) - 10 Photos

American White Pelicans are frequently seen in groups, called squadrons or pods, but occasionally there is one sole pelican, who may be joined by others. The pelican in the photos below, however, arrived and departed alone.

Because of the Spring run-off from the mountains & June rainfall levels in Calgary, fishing for birds such as the Osprey & Bald Eagle has become more difficult because of the murky & fast moving river. And that includes the Pelicans. 

The storm ponds have become a source of easier fishing for all the fish eating birds, including the divers. This pelican, though, found a great source of fish in the short grasses lining the shore of small creek that fed into the Bow River (Photo #1). No need for compatriots when one can easily push the fish up against the hard edge & scoop them up.

Having stuffed himself/herself for the time being, it was up on a log close to the shore for some downtime (Photo #2 through Photo #6). 

Pelicans are incredible flyers, riding the air thermals in groups like a synchronized ballet. Awkward on land, they are amazingly flexible, however, when it comes to stretching & grooming. I certainly couldn't stand on one foot on a narrow log, bend and reach back with the other (Photo #7). Or scratch my head with a foot (Photo #8). There should be yoga positions named after pelicans similar to "downward dog".

And then there is the bill. Turning the bill inside out has to be a unique talent & this pelican certainly deserves a 10/10 for this manoeuvre (Photo #9 & Photo #10). Yep, definitely no fish left in there and nothing else for that matter. 

And then the pelican was off. Wonder if he/she was going to share this particular fishing location with other pelicans or keep it a secret. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10