Eastern Washington/Oregon was hot beyond our comfort zone. I had wanted to visit the McNarry Wildlife Area on the 13th, but the tempatures were around 108. Instead we checked into our hotel in Hemanston for the night. The next day after we abandoned our trip to Idaho, we ended up stopping and got to see this beautiful bird. It is hard to get over just how large this bird is. The Canada Goose is a relatively large bird and they are just dwarfed by this huge white bird. Here is a picture for comparison.
I love how the one Pelican looks like it is leading a class trip.
I was pretty disapointed we had to abandon our trip to Idaho, but hoping to make lemonade with a trip to Long Beach today which will be much much cooler.
Summary: The American White Pelican - A Remarkable Bird
The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) stands out as a remarkable bird due to its impressive size, distinctive appearance, and unique behaviors. With a wingspan of up to 9 feet, it is one of the largest birds in North America. Its striking white plumage, contrasting with black flight feathers, and large, orange bill make it easily recognizable.
These pelicans are renowned for their cooperative feeding strategy, often working in groups to herd fish into shallow waters for easier capture. Unlike many pelican species, they do not dive for their food; instead, they scoop it up while swimming.
Their graceful, soaring flight is a sight to behold, as they glide effortlessly on thermals, often traveling great distances between breeding and wintering grounds. They breed in large colonies on isolated islands in lakes and rivers, making them a fascinating species to observe.
The American White Pelican's combination of impressive physical characteristics, cooperative behavior, and graceful flight make it a truly remarkable and captivating bird.
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