Preening Pelican
by Kathy White
Title
Preening Pelican
Artist
Kathy White
Medium
Photograph - Photography--greeting Cards Or Notes Are Cheaper By The Dozen!
Description
"Preening Pelican" is the title of this photograph taken at a East Dallas, Texas lake. What is preening? Preening means to smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak or bill. Waterfowl need to protect themselves against becoming water-logged whilst swimming, and in wet weather. They do this by keeping their feathers in top condition by preening themselves on a regular basis. The process of preening removes parasites and scales that cover newly sprouting feathers, but also involves the spreading of oil over clean feathers. To me, that looks like what this pelican is doing, almost stopping to pose for me.
We love to visit this lake whenever we can to see the beautiful pelicans, Mallard ducks, geese, the graceful swan, American coots and various other colorful waterfowl. We love to watch the kids feed the coots, ducks and seagulls. White Rock Lake at Sunset Bay is full of life and noise and laughter every time we go there.
Sunset Bay is very sheltered and the waterfowl flock there most evenings. It’s officially classified as a wetland. Birders love Sunset Bay and for good reason - 175 birds have been identified in or near Sunset Bay. Each evening, the waterfowl congregate at Sunset Bay to feed. The bay also offers them a lot of protection against predators. White Rock Lake is on the migration route from Canada to Mexico and many migrating birds stop over at the lake on their long journey.
Pelicans in numbers line up on the logs and in the water and delight the visitors that "flock' to view them! Each year, Pelicans from the north head south for the winter. Many stop over at White Rock Lake before continuing their journey south, and many spend the entire winter at White Rock. At times, you can see what looks like a hundred or so pelicans basking in the sun or playing in the water.....or preening on a log. It is a bird watching enthusiast or a photographer's dream place.
And as you watch the pelicans, the beautiful swan floating along in the quiet waters, you forget that the huge, bustling city of Dallas and it's crowded suburbs are only miles away. You can actually see the downtown Dallas skyline across the lake. But who cares when you are looking at all this gorgeous nature right in the midst of the city, almost hidden away from the crowds! You just sit back, take a deep breath and take it all in. And get some great photographs!
Uploaded
August 15th, 2014
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Viewed 570 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/27/2024 at 9:26 AM
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Comments (9)
Kathy White
Thanks so much to Digital Designs for the photo feature in our group, FAA Portraits-Birds!
Kathleen Struckle
This Guy is so cute. Having a bad hair day L/f
Kathy White replied:
Thank you Kathleen! I love to go see the pelicans that hang out there! LOL to the hair day comment! ;) Thank you for the like and fave.
Judith Russell-Tooth
Wonderful shot. v/f
Kathy White replied:
Thank you for the visit, compliment, vote and favorite Judith! I appreciate it!
Jeannie Rhode Photography
Kathy, Congratulations on your Featured Image in Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery ! Nice capture of this Pelican, I've never seen a white one. Thanks for sharing. L/F
Kathy White
Preening Pelican was featured in the group Wildlife One A Day by administrator Mariola Bitner! Thanks so much Mariola!!
Randy Rosenberger
It is truly an honor to showcase your talents and beautiful artworks within our site. I am proud to display this fine piece of beauty you have created for us to enjoy and share with others. LIKED Forever, Elvis
Kathy White replied:
Thank you so much for the feature Randy! So glad to see you back!! I am honored...