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