Jul 11
13
Birds of Florida, White Pelican-
Sticking with the theme of last week’s feature the Brown Pelican, let’s introduce his over sized cousin the White Pelican. Since mistaking this huge snow white pelican with the bright yellowish orange bill and feet is impossible here are a few more tips on this unique bird of Florida in anticipation of their return later this year:
White Pelicans by Gordon Campbell www.swfloutdoorphotography.com.
- Their Summer haunts are our upper mid West & into Canada. I’ve seen them on both Minnesota’s Leech Lake and Manitoba’s Winnipeg River in July. You stand a great chance of seeing them this Winter at Ding Darling, Estero Bay, throughout the 10,000 Islands and along 41 East provided there is plenty of water. Keep an eye out in other large open wetlands too.
- A sight to behold, their wingspan approaches 9 feet and during the breeding season you’ll often notice a weird growth called a centerboard on the upper bill (Peterson). Like our Brown Pelicans they’re quite gregarious meaning you’ll have a shot at photographing them individually and in flocks. Unlike the Brown when feeding, White Pelicans engage in teamwork (Sibley) driving and scooping fish as they paddle along strategically in a carefully choreographed pursuit as opposed to executing an eye popping, brain jarring dive.
- The outdoor photographer needs to watch those camera settings carefully when photographing all white birds. Try spot metering if possible & always be prepared to reduce your exposure value adjustment to avoid over exposure and to preserve the delicate details of the whites. Uh, oh technical jargon- contact me if I can help clarify that.
-Birds of Florida has been lots of fun to produce and has resulted in some great feedback. Since nature photography ranks as one of the top photographic categories, I’d like to recommend two books centered on the topic right here in Southwest Florida. Each is an impeccably researched and very useful guide book detailing hundreds of top locations in Southwest Florida with helpful “ins & outs” for each. They are “The Living Gulf Coast” and “Living Sanibel” by Charles Sobczak of Sanibel who I met at a speaking engagement on Earth Day. If you’re more adventure oriented and would like to read about 26 true attacks by beasts like alligators and sharks he has a book just for you too. Take a look at Charlie’s books, they’re the kind you can leave on the coffee table or right in the car as you’re out exploring.
By the way, check out the wing position of the birds here, just about perfect. Those are the two positions that will really make your flight photos shine. See you Friday… Gordon.
Professional Photography from Ft. Meyers & Sanibel to Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
gordon@SWFLOutdoorPhotography.com
copyright 2011 Gordon Campbell/Southwest Florida Outdoor Photography
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