I photographed this American White Pelican on a calm morning at Sally Jones Lake in Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The bird paused on the water and leaned in to groom its feathers. The soft light brought out the warm tones in its bill and the texture in its plumage.
Wildlife Notes: American White Pelican Grooming
American White Pelicans spend a good part of their day preening. They use their long bill to clean, align, and waterproof their feathers. This keeps them buoyant and helps them stay insulated in cooler water.
This bird was in a relaxed state. It drifted slowly with the light breeze while it worked through the feathers on its back and neck. Grooming like this usually happens during rest periods between feeding flights. Pelicans on Sally Jones Lake often feed in groups, then break apart to rest and tend to their feathers.
This quiet moment shows how much care these birds put into staying in top shape. Healthy feathers are essential for long flights and for the cooperative foraging they are known for.
Photography Notes: Capturing Pelican Grooming Behavior
I photographed this pelican from the shoreline with an 800mm lens. The bird stayed in good light, so the details in the white plumage held up well. The calm water made a clean reflection and added some color from the deeper water behind it.
I kept the shutter speed high so I could freeze any movement from the bird or the water. The long bill and the grooming posture created a strong profile that stood out against the dark ripples.
Any time I see a pelican start grooming, I stay ready. The poses change fast as the bird twists its neck, lifts its wings, or reaches across its back. These moments show more personality than a simple resting pose.
Image Information
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: RF 800mm F11 IS STM
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 second
- ISO: 500
- Focal Length: 800 mm
- Exposure Compensation: -1 EV
- Date Taken: November 28, 2023