While taking a very unexpected trip to Galveston, TX this weekend, I ran across this beautiful Brown Pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis) hanging out in the bay. It’s surprisingly only one of three pelican species found in the Western Hemisphere, and their numbers have only skyrocketed since the 1970’s when they were put on the endangered species list from pesticide pollution (now removed).
These giant birds are typically found along the Southern and Western coasts of America dive-bombing into the ocean to stun the fish they eat. When they’re not foraging, they love to glide just over the water and waves, catching the updrafts in their large wingspan.
I saw many pelicans during my visit to the Texas coast this weekend, but just the sheer size and beauty of this particular one captured my eye. You can see my iNaturalist observation with comments here.