Photograph: Pelicans Skimming the Waves

Pelicans Skimming the Waves

Posted on 29 June 2010

Pelicans Skimming the Waves

A flock of pelicans skims inches above the surface of the Pacific Ocean off of Waddell Creek Beach, Big Basin State Park, California.

Low flying pelicans skim just inches above the surface of the water near the shoreline at Waddell Creek Beach in Big Basin State Park along the California coastline. Having spent some time staring at these birds as they fly along the coast, I’m more and more amazed by their ability to closely track contours of beach and waves as they fly so low – they flow over this moving “terrain” like water over rocks. In this photograph the water picks up subtle light reflected by the slightly foggy evening sky beyond.

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Category: Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Northern California, Photographs: Ocean, Photographs: Wildlife
Tags: above, beach, beak, big basin, bird, california, coast, creek, flight, flock, group, highway, nature, north america, ocean, one, pacific, panorama, park, pelagic, pelican, photo, photography, sea, shore, skim, state, stock, surface, swell, usa, waddell, water, wave, wildlife, wing

2 comments to Pelicans Skimming the Waves

C. Wade

says:

June 29, 2010 at 5:56 am

I’m loving seeing all these photos of pelicans in flight. Reminds me of home. Great work!

G Dan Mitchell says:

July 1, 2010 at 7:43 am

Thanks! I feel fortunate to be close enough to see these wonderful birds throughout the year.

Dan

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