In Formation (please view large)

Who would have known that there are flocks of white pelicans in the

middle of Saskatchewan? I found these at a park in Moosejaw. Please

leave a comment or critique. Thanks!

This looks like the doughnut line at the office lounge ;-).  I really like this, it's crisp, clear, colorful even with the white subjects, great reflections and it's amusing...  Mike

Love this photo, Christal.  I spent 2-years photographing white pelicans who spent the winters in Dallas (and summers in Northern U.S./ Canada).

Mike.....thanks!  It really was a sight to behold in the middle of Saskatchewan!  Couldn't believe it!  I think it's humorous also....they were fun to watch!

Bill.....so you must be familiar with their habits.  We had so much fun watching them.  When they swam, they all moved in tandem (can you say that for more than 2?).  Anyway, it was almost like synchronized swimming.  When one dipped under water, then all did.   You certainly live in the place for birding.  One of my dear friends is a birder and frequently goes to Texas.   Thanks for sharing!

They also can be very aggressive.  When osprey dive for fish or cormorants catch trout, white pelicans will fly to and snap at them, sometimes forcing them to drop fish.  They sit in the lake and watch and wait for another bird to catch a fish.  Reflection adds a lot to image.

A beautiful shot with very nice lighting and reflections, Christal!

Hi Christal,

  Wonderful image with beautiful colors & reflection.  Take care, Patsy

Monte, so they're lazy, eh?  ;-)  It's amazing that they would be aggressive to an osprey though.....very interesting.  Unfortunately, we didn't see them stealing from another bird while we watched them.  Thanks!

Ruud and Patsy, thanks for your kind words and visits. 

Very good clarity and composition. I agree with Monte, the reflections add a great deal to the image.

They look like they are forming an orderly queue, maybe for dinner : - )

Compliments & Best Regards

Alf

My  thoughts were similar to Mike's though, being as how I'm Canadian, a Tim Horton's line up came to mind.  :-) Looks like a bit of underexposure which does help maintain detail in the white feathers.  Accident or design?  Whatever, it does enhance colours and textures so good for you!  They also look like bathers at the lake, most waiting for the front ones to dip their toes in to test the temperature before committing.  Always a treat to see your latest.  Best, LM.

Alf and Len.....just getting back here.  Thanks for your visits!  Len, this actually was by design.  It was very bright, and I was using my histogram and exposure compensation.  Still, most of the shots I took were over-exposed.  I thought this one could pass though.  I didn't know (or did i?) that you were from Canada.....what part?  My daughter married a Canadian and lives in Edmonton, and we're close to her family.  So I feel part Canadian.  ;-)  Hey, I hear that the U.S. is finally getting a T. Horton's.  :-)

I live in Barrie, Ont.  Barrie to Edmonton, think Buffalo to Butte, Montana.  Not likely I'd know them but nice to know you are almost family.  :-)  Tim Horton's has been in New York state and Michigan for a number of years but I think it'll be a while before Starbucks, USA needs to worry.   Good idea to check the histogram once in a while.  Looks like that action saved this shot from blowing out the highlights.  Best, LM.