American White Pelican Making a Splash Landing

American White Pelican Landing In Suds

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I photographed this American White Pelican making a splash landing at the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam in Oklahoma. The suds in the water result from the dam’s water release, which agitates organic matter and air, creating foam on the surface. This process also stirs up shad, attracting birds to this location in winter.

Shad are a warm-water species with low tolerance for cold stress, causing them to die off in large numbers when the water temperature drops below 45 degrees. As this winter die-off occurs, pelicans and other birds gather below dams to take advantage of the easy meal.

American White Pelican Making a Splash Landing
An American White Pelican descends gracefully onto the foamy waters near the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam in Oklahoma. The dam’s water release creates turbulence, drawing fish and attracting wintering birds like this pelican.

How I Took the Shot

I positioned myself near the dam, setting up on the rocks close to the water’s edge, carefully balancing on uneven surfaces while adjusting for changing light conditions. Using my tripod, I took the shot with a Canon EOS 7D Mark II and a Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens. This setup was ideal for its fast autofocus, high frame rate, and excellent reach, allowing me to capture distant wildlife in sharp detail.

Camera Settings

  • Mode: AV (Aperture Priority)
  • Aperture: f/8.0
  • ISO: 320
  • Shutter Speed: 1/2500 sec
  • Exposure Compensation: -1/3 EV
  • Focal Length: 500mm