Tag Archives: american white pelican

Birding Trips and Tours North Carolina

White Pelicans in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

By Sally Siko

One of the coolest looking birds we’ve got flying around NC during the wintertime is the American White Pelican.
I photographed this pair in the OBX not long ago and was stoked to be able to spend a few minutes watching them as they hunted for a meal. It’s really neat to see these majestic birds at close range!



Standing at around 4ft tall, weighing in at 14lbs, with a wingspan stretching 9ft, White Pelicans are one of the largest species of birds found in North America.
Watching these massive creatures soaring overhead and then come gliding in slowly like a B2 bomber for a splash down water landing is truly an epic sight!
That being said they do look a teeny bit dopey when viewing their faces head-on lol!



American White Pelicans are found in eastern North Carolina during winter, where you can spot them hunting for a snack on our freshwater lakes, brackish estuaries, and shallow water impoundments.
Unlike their close relative, the ocean fairing Brown Pelican, these guys don’t dive to catch fish but instead use their neck pouches to scoop them up. In fact, individuals commonly work together to herd fish to shallow areas ‘cowboy style to make them easier to catch!

You can spot the White Pelican in the Outer Banks area of NC from now through early March. If you ever have the opportunity to go check them out for yourself I highly recommend that ya do.
I know I can’t wait to return there to see them again soon!

Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Birding Trips and Tours North Carolina

White Pelicans in eastern NC

By Sally Siko

If you’re into photographing birds, the Outer Banks of eastern North Carolina is the place to be during the winter.
It’s my favorite spot because of the wide diversity of species that are found here.
From Ducks, to Gulls, Owls and eagles, Harriers and Pelicans, it’s heaven on earth for those that venture out with a camera in search of all things feathered.



Case in point, this American White Pelican. I mean look at this thing! He’s freak’n huge!
With a wingspan that can stretch up to 10ft from tip to tip, they are absolutely an epic sight when gliding low across the water.

I spotted this one as he flew in to join his squadron on the north pond at Pea Island.
It was interesting to watch these large birds feeding together. They forage by swimming on the surface, dipping their bills down to scoop up fish in that enormous pouch, then raise their bills skyward to drain water and swallow their prey whole.



Here in North Carolina, American White Pelicans are found in our coastal marine habitats such as bays, lakes and estuaries from October to early March.
Unlike the Brown Pelicans who are often seen hunting for a meal over the ocean, White Pelicans prefer to hunt in shallow, slow moving fresh or brackish bodies of water.
This is nice because one has a greater chance of seeing them (relatively) up close at a local waterfowl impoundment vs. trying to spot one over the horizon of the vast Atlantic.

I can’t wait to return to eastern NC to lead my birding tours next month! It’s such a joy to share these huge beautiful birds with my guests. Truly amazing creatures!


Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame @canonusa
#5Ds

Birding Trips and Tours North Carolina, Field Notes

Birdwatching at Pea Island NWR: The American white Pelican

If you’re into photographing birds, the Pea Island NWR in eastern North Carolina is the place to be during the winter.
It’s my favorite spot because of the wide diversity of species that are found here.
From Ducks, to Gulls, Owls and eagles, Harriers and Pelicans, it’s heaven on earth for those that venture out with a camera in search of all things feathered.



Case in point, this American White Pelican. I mean look at this thing! He’s freak’n huge!
With a wingspan that can stretch up to 10ft from tip to tip, they are absolutely an epic sight when gliding low across the water.

I spotted this one as he flew in to join his squadron on the north pond at Pea Island.
It was interesting to watch these large birds feeding together. They forage by swimming on the surface, dipping their bills down to scoop up fish in that enormous pouch, then raise their bills skyward to drain water and swallow their prey whole.

Here in North Carolina, American White Pelicans are found in our coastal marine habitats such as bays, lakes and estuaries from October to early March.
Unlike the Brown Pelicans who are often seen hunting for a meal over the ocean, White Pelicans prefer to hunt in shallow, slow moving fresh or brackish bodies of water.
This is nice because one has a greater chance of seeing them (relatively) up close at a local waterfowl impoundment vs. trying to spot one over the horizon of the vast Atlantic.


Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame @canonusa
#5Ds