I photographed American White Pelicans at the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. This spot gives a clear view of these birds as they follow shad through the dam gates in fall and winter.
The south dam parking lot works well since the rising sun stays at my back. But getting down the steep bank and over the boulders with camera gear isn’t easy. For this outing, I brought only my camera and lens, skipping the tripod. Access is tricky, but the photos make it worth the effort.
Seeing a pelican lift off from the water is a powerful moment. Capturing a sharp shot of its 9-foot wingspan stretching upward feels like a true success.
White Pelicans are common in Oklahoma during migration, especially in spring and fall. They travel in large flocks, often resting at lakes and reservoirs. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they don’t dive for fish. Instead, they work together, swimming in groups to herd fish toward the surface, then scooping them up in their large bills.
At the dam, pelicans take advantage of fish moving through the gates, making it a prime spot to see them up close. Their bright white feathers and contrasting black wingtips make them easy to spot against the water, and their sheer size is impressive.
In Oklahoma, they can show up almost anywhere with water, from large lakes to small farm ponds. Their adaptability and teamwork in hunting make them fascinating to observe and photograph.