Although when in the sleepy pod the first day I saw them these American pelicans looked, with the exception of their exceptional beaks, completely white, on this day they were showing off their underlying black decorative touches.
“Life is better in black and white!”
― Avijeet Das
“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!”
― Ted Grant
Does this count for birds, too? Stretch those wings!
“The most colorful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colors and at the same time excludes all.”
― Vikrmn, 10 Alone
Little photo bombing snowy egret in the background.
Photo bombing again, but in aggressive cormorant black. Doesn’t the middle pelican look as if it has its proverbial hands on proverbial hips in annoyance?
It’s also Pearl Harbor Day here in the U.S. as well as my mom’s and good friend’s birthdays. Can you imagine living in California and having your birthday on Pearl Harbor Day? Not the best birthday my mom ever had!
This, that and the other thing 
I agree that central Pelican is definitely not amused.
😉
janet
Stunning photos, Janet. That light!
Thanks, Tish. That morning there must have been 100 birds of different types at that small lake, mostly all in the sun, probably trying to warm up.
They’re gorgeous!
I had t realized they had so much black. 😊
These are stunning images Janet 😍
Thanks so much, Su. 🥰
Although I’m not surprised they exist, I had no clue white pelicans existed. Beautiful birds … loved the why you captured the photo bomb. 🙂
I saw brown ones in Baja California but this is the first place I’ve seen white ones. Of course living in the Midwest meant pelicans weren’t the birds I saw most often. 😉. But here we get migrating birds, although these have been here for a few weeks now.
Beautiful photos. I’ve only seen these guys a few times, never around here. I’ve always wondered if it’s hard for people to celebrate when their birthdays are on such days. Mind falls on Election Day every so often. Nothing like having the bars closed on your birthday when your younger.
I imagine celebrating gets easier the farther away from the actual day you get. Mine falls on the Ides of March, but as Julius Caesar died quite some time ago, it doesn’t bother me. 😂😂😂
The pelican clan is busy fishing around here these days. (and there local ducks are annoyed)
I love the wings on hips attitude
Great pix
Thanks very much and welcome to a new week. 🙂 Do you have lots of restrictions there? Our poor daughter and son-in-law in southern California have a zillion.
Sunny and mild today – and everyone is out to play, at work, or school. Patio dining is busy. County judge says beaches stay open.
We picked up some curry and Thai food after checkups. One guy was eating inside.
Masks supposedly mandated (and usually worn) in multiple counties, but people here are still able to determine what restrictions they place on themselves. They keep talking about curfews for bars, but not yet…give them time to test the waters on that?HAHA.
Thanks for wandering these halls! Onward with merry!
I love your black and white catch. What great timing! The golden color of the water just sets them all off beautifully. I don’t think it would have been quite as stunning in a black and white photo – other than the timing, of course. Gorgeous shots, Janet. 🙂
No, the black and white only refers to the underside of the pelicans. 🙂 The water there always seems to look lovely when the sun’s shining on it, which in Arizona is a good deal of the year, although at this time of year, the sun doesn’t rise until the 7:30 am side of 7, so sometimes when the right shot comes, the light isn’t really there yet. So happy you liked the shots so much. 🙂
They’re so beautiful to watch. The colour of the beak/pouch contrasts well against the black and white. And that golden light!
Thanks, Lignum. This was the first time I’ve seen this type of pelican in the wild, so it’s been fun. We have lots of nice light here in Arizona, although in summer it can be hot light. 🙂
Such elegant beauties! And that darn cormorant needs to be taught his place!
Cheeky, isn’t he? 😳
Extremely!
Hi Janet, these are beautiful pics. My fave is wings on hips! 🌞
That’s my favorite for funny but I loved seeing the feathery black edges in the first shot. Thanks, Lisa. I hope your week’s off to a good start.
Thanks, Janet! Hoping your week is a good one too! 🌞
Gorgeous photos Janet!
Thanks, Aletta. Pelicans are interesting-looking birds. 🙂
They are indeed!
All were great photos, but I loved the photo of the grumpy one watching the cormorant whiz by. you’re right, it did look like ‘hands-on-hips’ disapproval.
I didn’t notice that until I was doing the post. Made me laugh.