OK...forgive me for gushing! It's not everyday I've gotten to stand right next to a pelican! This afternoon I thought it might me fun to drive to the pier again in the hope of getting a nice photo of the snow-covered mountains. What we found was that since the last time I took such a photo at this location in about...hmmm...1977...there's been a lot of building going on! No longer is there the beautiful view of surfers in the foreground and the snow-covered mountains as a backdrop! What a pity!
However, I didn't lament the loss long when Ken pointed to a pelican swooping toward the pier at a low trajectory. I took the photo and was still looking into the camera when I realized the pelican had landed no more than two feet from me! I took every sort of angle and close-up, I even went behind the crowd that gathered and took a photo of THEM taking photos! This guy never moved...(He seemed to bask in the limelight and was a real crowd pleaser!)
I'm no (Photo-Crazy) Bill Dodsworth, but I was pretty happy with this one! I don't cross paths with pelicans everyday! On the other hand, the pier is becoming a nice place to go for a late afternoon walk, and we're liking happy hour food and drinks at the beach... I'm beginning to really enjoy being back in California!
Wow wow wow this is an amazing capture! What a wonderful thing to happen! They are now dropping out of the sky at your feet Louise! Lol! Stunning close up with such great detail of his feathers and colours! Love it! This should be on the TT! Fav!
@pamknowler I can see we're going to have SO much fun when we meet! You're a delight, and I thank you for the high praise :) I don't need to get there if I only know someone like you likes it that much! The bird was so gorgeous, but one look at the tip of his beak said to keep my hands to myself!
@teiko Oh thank you for sharing my happiness! Thanks to you (and Pam, above @pamknowler ) for the faves. Ken was watching the back of the camera as I took photos, and he said at this moment, "That's the one!" We had such a delightful evening!
@aglennc LOL! Oh Anita, you KNOW the animals can draw me in whereever I plant my feet! Can't wait to see what we might "capture" come Saturday! (Send me the email addys!)
Gosh what a beauty!! Never realized how beautiful they are! What a ham!! I think he even has an air about himself!! LOL Stunning details, lighting and POV!! Such a handsome bird!! FAV!
What an amazing capture Louise, how lucky for you to have this opportunity drop at your feet! Glad you are adjusting to the California life once again. I'd FAV this many times if I could. :)
What a super shot... so "up close" with his eye gazing right at you. Wonderful! Glad you are settling in on the west coast, too - looks like a gorgeous spot to winter. :)
@mariaostrowski@damfino I was delighted to hear you'll join us at the park on Saturday! Will you send me email addresses at muensterma@gmail.com and I'll include you in the final tally note before our meet-up!
Totally perfect!!!! What a great detailed shot -- it rivals the best of them on the site! IT's like the pelican knew what you wanted and posed for you!
Thank you all so much for showing your love for this photo! I was delighted to see some of you whom I haven't seen around here for a while and had dropped by! Rather than write chatty notes here, I'd rather have the time to drop by your sites to appreciate your latest photographic feats! I appreciate the time to took to stop by here! Thank you!
@tunia I'm not embarrassed to say it was a very exciting moment that this guy was so trusting! Everyone laughed that he should have a cup next to him to collect pocket change! (I do rather think a tin of sardines would have been more to his liking!)
Wow, he is a gorgeous looking fella! Love all the detail that can be seen on him. I can understand your excitement, I just got my first shot of a bird this morning....albeit only a canary! lol Awesome capture...and perfect timing in the right place at the right time :)
@prairiesmoke How wonderful to see you here again, Ann! Just like the old days! Are your girls off to college yet?! I'm a grandmother 4 x over now... Life has changed a bit since we met here in 2010! Thanks for coming by and the kind words!
@linah I must have a look and see if you're posting again! How nice to see you here! In the email, will you send me your mailing address please? I have something for you!
My FAVORITE kind of pelican because I love the colors! Well Louise I think this is just as beautiful as one from PhotoCrazy man. That's right Mr Bill, you know who we're talking about.
Fav!
MAGnificent!!! WOW...I think this is my favorite Pelican shot ever. The detail and colors are amazing...and such a great close up. A prize winner I would think. MEGA FAV
@joysfocus You're going to have to tell me about "the other sorts of pelicans" around here! I think I've heard of white ones! (Saw a *Pink* one in Mykonos and THAT one was quite wonderful!) You are such a cut up, Missy! So come on Bill! It's unlike you not to drop by, but I'm not out to beg! See you Saturday bright and early Joy!
@kandie Thanks so much! I was in awe of his close proximity and how gorgeous he was in detail that I was able to see! @stray_shooter You know me so well! And thanks for the compliment by comparison! To think that my photo equipment achieved this (if only once!) of a pittance of what he carries with him on a shoot! @sakphotography How nice to have you come by for the first time with such a nice compliment; thank you so much! @annied You always find the funny-bone! Loved your comment!
@photographycrazy I was hoping you'd show up! Your name was bantered around throughout the comments...it's your photos we all aspire to! So thanks, m'friend! I just got lucky this time!
Thank you all so much for showing your love for this photo! I was delighted to see some of you whom I haven't seen around here for a while and had dropped by! Rather than write chatty notes here, I'd rather have the time to drop by your sites to appreciate your latest photographic feats! I appreciate the time to took to stop by here! Thank you!
Fav!
I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring from all of you! It's lovely to find "old friends" who are returning to start again! I never expected so many notes and faves, so it will be awhile to catch up with everyone...but I'm trying! I owe you all Big Time! Thanks again for the lovely notes!
I am jealous of your proximity
@stray_shooter You know me so well! And thanks for the compliment by comparison! To think that my photo equipment achieved this (if only once!) of a pittance of what he carries with him on a shoot!
@sakphotography How nice to have you come by for the first time with such a nice compliment; thank you so much!
@annied You always find the funny-bone! Loved your comment!