Brown Pelican Jr.
This juvenile Brown Pelican was seen at Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel Island.
Brown Pelicans are the smallest of the world's pelicans, but it's still pretty big at 48" in length (122 cm), and a wingspread of 84" (213cm). It was almost "lights out" for Brown Pelicans due to poisoning from DDT pesticides in the 1970s, but the population has rebounded somewhat today.
They are fascinating to watch as they cruise over the water, not far off of the beach, then plunge downward into the water, sometimes capturing small fish.
Brown Pelican Jr.
This juvenile Brown Pelican was seen at Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel Island.
Brown Pelicans are the smallest of the world's pelicans, but it's still pretty big at 48" in length (122 cm), and a wingspread of 84" (213cm). It was almost "lights out" for Brown Pelicans due to poisoning from DDT pesticides in the 1970s, but the population has rebounded somewhat today.
They are fascinating to watch as they cruise over the water, not far off of the beach, then plunge downward into the water, sometimes capturing small fish.