Geese, Swans, Pelicans, and Cormorants: Part III

One of my favorite Limericks is about the Pelican:

A curious bird is the Pelican,
His beak can hold more than his Beli-can.
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a weak;
And I'm darned if I know how the Heli-can

There are two Pelicans in the United States, the American White Pelican, and the Brown Pelican. The Brown is more often found on the Atlantic, Southern Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. Its preferred habitat is salt bays, beaches, and ocean, mostly over shallow waters.

Taken from Imperial Beach, Pacific Coast near San Diego

Taken at Lakeside Park in Tucson

Taken at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona

Taken at Lakeside Park in Tucson

Taken at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, California

The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in the US with a wingspan of over 9 feet. It also can weigh over 16 pounds. Unlike the Brown Pelican, it breeds in the interior of North America and winters along the Gulf and Southern Pacific Coasts. Its preferred habitat is lakes, marshes, and salt bays. 

Take in Yellowstone National Park

Taken at Fig Lagoon, California

Taken at Amado Water Treatment Plant, Arizona

Take at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming