Recently on an outing in Siouxland at Brown’s Lake and Snyders Bend in rural Woodbury County, a number of American White Pelicans numbering between 100-200 were seen between the two places and bodies of water. Moving in tandem they swarmed and fed together circling areas of water then turning bottoms up while others soared overhead and skimmed the water’s surface, just enjoying a day out as they migrated back to wherever home is.
The pelicans put on quite a show and their graceful agility is pretty amazing to watch. Recently a few numbers can be seen flying about various parts of Siouxland soaring high on the air currents and circling climbing ever higher until they swoop toward the earth only to repeat themselves.
Watching nature is always fascinating I believe, and away from all the white noise and other distractions that so easily encroach on one’s days and time. It’s just good to get away and birds times appear ready to perform their floor shows while on the road.
I also find it challenging to photograph them depending on the day and environment. The stark whiteness on an especially bright sunny day works well on the water in early morning light but more difficult as the day moves forward. The light skimming the area accentuates the blue water which contrasts nicely with the white bodies. Skyward, not so much. The images taken at Snyders Bend was the same morning as at Brown’s Lake, but the direction of the sun and the movements of the birds were different thus creating totally different types of images as the sun lit the two areas in a much different fashion. But still, capturing the pelicans’ movements and antics was still fun and nice being out in nature.
They look like small planes. Really liked the photos of the squadron of pelicans flying in formation in front of the trees. Amazing how large they really are. Very graceful in the air or on the water, not so much during transition.
Thank you. Yeah, watching take off and some landings one could almost hearing the crackle over the radio of “May Day! May Day! Coming in hot and fast!” But soaring in the air overhead just so graceful and beautiful.
Well done Jerry, those ultra-white birds can definitely put you to work trying to get the settings right. Great shot with the duck in tandem, shows you why these are the heaviest birds in NA.
Brain, Thank you. The duck photo was interesting. Couldn’t believe how much bigger the pelicans are. And getting the exposure down is tough. The water weather blue with the sunlight or dark with overcast, cloudy skies creates a good contrast. But I cheat. I am able to set my camera so I can open up the shadows two clicks and flatten the highlights by two clicks in camera so it gives me head room on both ends Nd I can tweak in post. Got to love digital sometimes.
I live in the Siouxland area that encompasses a wide swatch of land in northwest Iowa, northeastern Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota. The people that inhabit this area are generous folk and your basic honest, Midwestern people you like to have as neighbors. I explore the area and share observations, mostly photographic, sometimes through video, and and short text. All images and video are copyrighted material of the author.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City, Iowa
jerrylmennenga@yahoo.com
lostinsiouxland 
Great photos. I love pelicans.
They are fun to photograph. And just fun to watch.
They look like small planes. Really liked the photos of the squadron of pelicans flying in formation in front of the trees. Amazing how large they really are. Very graceful in the air or on the water, not so much during transition.
Thank you. Yeah, watching take off and some landings one could almost hearing the crackle over the radio of “May Day! May Day! Coming in hot and fast!” But soaring in the air overhead just so graceful and beautiful.
I like their three- or four-hop takeoffs. I also like the contrast of the white bird with the black wing tips.
Wonderful post, fabulous photos!
Thank you. Pelicans are fun to see and photograph.
Well done Jerry, those ultra-white birds can definitely put you to work trying to get the settings right. Great shot with the duck in tandem, shows you why these are the heaviest birds in NA.
Brain, Thank you. The duck photo was interesting. Couldn’t believe how much bigger the pelicans are. And getting the exposure down is tough. The water weather blue with the sunlight or dark with overcast, cloudy skies creates a good contrast. But I cheat. I am able to set my camera so I can open up the shadows two clicks and flatten the highlights by two clicks in camera so it gives me head room on both ends Nd I can tweak in post. Got to love digital sometimes.