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Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos



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The American White Pelican is a huge bird with a massive wingspan up to 9 feet. This American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) has a sturdy bill and e...
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The American White Pelican is a huge bird with a massive wingspan up to 9 feet. This American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) has a sturdy bill and expandable pouch that are so large that this bird has an almost comical appearance. The brilliant white plumage contrasts strongly with conspicuous black primary feathers, pale orange legs and feet, a pinkish bill, and a yellow patch around the eye. During the breeding season, yellow feathers develop on the head, chest and neck and the feet become bright orange-red. The bill turns bright orange and a large, flattened, vertical horn develops on the upper mandible ...
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49 Comments |
nina050
 
nina050 February 28, 2016
This is an AWESOME shot and the edit is spot on! What a masterpiece!! Perfect in every way!! :-)
BrendaCrawford
 
BrendaCrawford February 28, 2016
That is a masterpiece dude.. It is fantastic. Geez you owned that shot. Love the foggy, misty background and the bird is killer beautiful. This is an image that has some real feeling in it. I love it. It's one of those that makes you feel like you smell the water and a light mist on your skin and hear the swirls from it paddling. And then it makes you wonder what you will hear in the background. I love this one Mark. Perfect peace for a moment.
guillermoturnerstephens
 
guillermoturnerstephens February 29, 2016
enjoy looking at this photo. the mood of it is magnificent
sweetpea72
 
sweetpea72 February 29, 2016
Wow..absolutely gorgeous...:)
Bazz PRO+
 
Bazz February 29, 2016
Wow ... stunning! Love it.
trainwoman Platinum
 
trainwoman February 29, 2016
Well........this seems a little different to me??????? Love this edit and the info is great
DorisSeybold
 
DorisSeybold February 29, 2016
Wow Mark - this is MORE than beautiful!!!!! you make me speechless!!
mihrt PRO+
 
mihrt February 29, 2016
beautiful imagery Mark. Lovely fine art texture showcases this Pelican and lovely gentle movement of the water so beautifully!!
chuckrickman
 
chuckrickman March 03, 2016
Perfection Mark. I have never seen one in southern Calif. I am in awe!
NanaSue54
 
NanaSue54 March 03, 2016
I agree with Nina!!! This is perfect in every way Mark!!!! :)
pegleg Platinum
 
pegleg March 07, 2016
such a good shot top shot here love it
adavies PRO+
 
adavies March 13, 2016
Stunning capture and edit! Just beautiful! :)
carolcardillo PRO+
 
carolcardillo March 24, 2016
Another cool edit, Mark.
Nitka
 
Nitka March 29, 2016
This is truly beautiful..:-)
Daisy00
 
Daisy00 March 30, 2016
Stunning!!!!!!
terryc Platinum
 
terryc April 04, 2016
What a lovely capture, Mark!
rmr731 Platinum
 
rmr731 April 08, 2016
Very pretty!
Bruz Platinum
 
Bruz April 25, 2016
This is such a fantastic edit my friend. Well done for sure.
estercastillo08
 
estercastillo08 May 01, 2016
Excellent, voted
estercastillo08
 
estercastillo08 May 15, 2016
Voted !
MickAlicic PRO
 
MickAlicic June 04, 2016
Stunning shot! Good luck in cont. Battle of advanced!
estercastillo08
 
estercastillo08 June 21, 2016
Voted !
jettahlily008 Platinum
 
jettahlily008 June 21, 2016
Beautiful capture & composition!!! :)
Arzhtatiana
 
Arzhtatiana August 10, 2016
Gorgeous! Voted...Monthly Pro Vol 23...!
YvonneJeaK PRO
 
YvonneJeaK September 13, 2016
Very beautiful and serene. Voted in the Composing with Colors Photo Contest
taarnes
 
taarnes November 25, 2016
Thanks for entering my challenge. There were a lot of really great pictures, but this one just jumped out at me. Great picture. Congrats! Thanks!!!
snowdon PRO
 
snowdon November 25, 2016
Congratulations on your Win in Almost a Painting Challenge
trainwoman Platinum
 
trainwoman November 25, 2016
Grand winner in almost a painting......VERY happy for you dear man
JDLifeshots
 
JDLifeshots November 25, 2016
Beautiful shot! Congrats.
eladeszcz
 
eladeszcz November 25, 2016
Congratulations for your win Mark! Wonderful image!!!
eladeszcz
 
eladeszcz November 25, 2016
Such like a painting...!
JVendetti
 
JVendetti November 25, 2016
Gorgeous and Congratulations!!!
jamiesarkett
 
jamiesarkett November 25, 2016
Congratulations - beautiful photo
MikeBoyle
 
MikeBoyle November 25, 2016
Congratulations on your winning photo. Nice...Very Nice
eelcovanroden PRO+
 
eelcovanroden November 25, 2016
Congratulations on your great Challenge Win!
Kazza60
 
Kazza60 November 25, 2016
congratulations on winning the challenge award .. so well deserved .. a wonderful image :)
KayBrewer Platinum
 
KayBrewer November 26, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS! Mark, this is a great picture and SO deserves to win the Almost a Painting Challenge!
UnkleFrank
 
UnkleFrank November 26, 2016
My compliments on a well deserved challenge win for this outstanding work of art.
LuciaH Platinum
 
LuciaH November 26, 2016
Beautiful Photo !!! Congratulations on your award !
loveMustangs
 
loveMustangs December 02, 2016
WOWEE!!! freakin awesome shots!!! Congrats on the win! Also, thanks for the info. Cheers!
Coshooter
 
Coshooter December 05, 2016
Wow! Love it!!!
estercastillo08
 
estercastillo08 December 27, 2016
Congrats !!
Pamelabole PRO
 
Pamelabole May 24, 2017
Wow....this is beautiful!!! Wonderful light and detail, and great post processing!! : )
Alfredo_Jose
 
Alfredo_Jose July 26, 2017
Really beautiful, well executed!
dgerrans
 
dgerrans March 23, 2018
Beautiful shot Mark!!
Pjerry
 
Pjerry March 10, 2020
Beautiful capture with a great mood. I do love your explanation. Thanks for sharing.
leslie57
 
leslie57 August 30, 2020
I need to get back to photography.just so busy with my art so no extra time,maybe this winter
Cookies4U
 
Cookies4U December 14, 2020
everyone has said it! perfect in every way!
Hood PRO+
 
Hood October 21, 2021
Stunning!
See all

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at a local reservoir (Uvas) near San Jose, California on a warm spring day.

Time

Because it was late in the day we almost didn't stop while driving through the area, but are so glad we did as we spotted a flock of white pelicans near the shore of the reservoir, which was a very unusual sighting for this area.

Lighting

We were lucky as it was late in the day, so the lighting was warm as it was during the "golden hour".

Equipment

I took this photo using my Nikon D800 full frame DSLR using a Nikkor 28-300mm lens. Because there was no time to get out the tripod, I was fortunate enough to find a large rock upon which to balance my camera.

Inspiration

This was a totally unplanned photo opportunity when this flock of white pelicans was spotted from the road.

Editing

Even though the photo of the white pelican turned out beautifully, the background of the reservoir left a lot to be desired. Therefore, in order to show off this beautiful bird I decided to try my hand at a bit of "photo art" and used several blended textures and backgrounds in Photoshop until I got the desired effect.

In my camera bag

My camera of choice is a Nikon D800 full frame DSLR. I usually shoot using my Nikkor 28-300mm zoom lens which I find to be very versatile. I also use a Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 and a Nikkor 35-105mm on occasion. I always have 2 64gb memory cards in my camera and carry 2 extra 64gb cards in my bag. I have a Manfroto tripod with a ball head. Additionally, I have UV and polarizing filters for all lenses, battery charger, ND filters, and cleaning supplies in my bag at all times.

Feedback

Travel, patience, keeping an eye out for the unexpected, doing a little bit of research about your destination, and having a travel partner who also enjoys photography are all essentials in my opinion!

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