Mr Proud

What a gorgeous Winter's day here on the Sunshine Coast!

I got out of the confines of work early today and headed down to the mouth of the Maroochy River. I have been trying to get Pelicans for some time with no luck. Today was another story.

I was intrigued by two pelicans who watch the fishermen. When they see someone bring in a small fish they rush over hoping that they will give them the catch instead of returning it to the ocean. They were putting the heavy moves on an 80+ year old man initially. After he packed up they moved up the beach.

I got a variety of shots but I was most intrigued by their small feathers waving in the breeze, the texture of their beaks and gorgeous yellow eyes. That is why I chose this tight image of the head.

A large group flew onto a sand dune in the river when I was enjoying the sunshine. I overheard a jogger telling his friend that there are plenty of pelicans here at the moment because of the good water quality in the river following all the rains this year. That is great news for the pelicans and great news for me- plenty of blipping opportunity now I know where to go and when.