I was all alone on Black Point Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge one recent chilly morning, when this lone White Pelican suddenly swooped in overhead.
As they migrate south over Florida during the winter, these huge Pelicans are most often seen in groups, sometimes filling the sky as massive flocks glide by over the water. With a wingspan of up to 9+ feet, they are among the largest North American birds (Florida Fish and Wildlife). 
So spotting this lone bird – with no one else around – was a real treat!
In fact, I’m convinced it was heading right over to the shoreline to greet me, with that large, charming smile 😉
We often envision pelicans plunging into the water headfirst to scoop up fish, as do the Brown Pelicans, who are year-round Florida residents. The White Pelicans, however, work together – they “forage cooperatively: groups of birds dip their bills and flap their wings to drive fish toward shore, corraling prey for highly efficient, synchronized, bill-dipping feasts.” (All About Birds) 
This particular bird was not at all interested in eating at the moment, though . . . Just floated lazily by so I could admire its graceful beauty!
To learn more, click on this link (Boreal Birds) for an excellent overview and description of these wonderful, gregarious birds!
Glad you were able to see at least one. We were over there just before the New Year and there were around at least 10 or more of them. They are awesome to watch fly.
Yes, they are amazing flyers, and we’ve also seen larger flocks a little later in the year. Will have to be sure to go back this winter!
Informative and beautiful post, BJ! Lovely captures.
This large white pelican was so beautiful to see up close. I felt very lucky to be there at the right moment.
These are wonderful photos of this gorgeous bird and I love the reflections! How lovely to be there alone for this experience.
The lighting was just right in the morning, Ellen. And the pelican glided over to the edge of the pond so gracefully – made the reflections stand out wonderfully.
It is amazing how gracefully Pelicans can glide given their body shape.
Sure is, Ellen – this one looked quite serene! Love watching them in flight, too, though their landings are a little awkward 🙂
Great shots of a beautiful Pelican BJ, it looks quite similar to our Aussie Pelican which is mostly white, but yours is more pure white in colour. This is a great bird to capture reflection shots in still water. I have some amazing shots, I could see early morning shots of your White Pelican would give amazing shots with reflection, when their is no breeze to sir the water.
Yes, AB, the morning light was just marvelous that day. It’s always so interesting to compare the birds that are similar, but not quite the same between Australia and Florida 😉
Your subject reminded me of a poem by Robert Desnos. You can find the original French and an English translation at:
http://lyricstranslate.com/en/le-p%C3%A9lican-pelican.html
Thank you for this delightful link!! I enjoyed listening to the poem in the original French!
You’re welcome. I learned this poem in one of my college French classes in around 1965–66. It has stayed with me over all those years.
Desnos was in a concentration camp and lived long enough to be liberated but died of typhoid a month later.
What an incredible story. Thank you.
How fortunate for all of us that this elegant white pelican sailed in and posed for you, BJ. These are lovely photos.
Thank you so much, Jet! It was really a lovely moment for me~!
Gorgeous photos, as always.
I really appreciate your kind words. It’s always nice to have a beautiful subject ☺️
What a sweet and intimate exchange!
(Love the poem!)
Thank you, Yaffa this was actually on Thanksgiving morning… it was a very special encounter!
(Yes, wasn’t the poem delightful?)
Amazing photographs! I saw a pelican for the first time in India- the Grey Pelican. I did not witness them fish, and the line you wrote sums up my encounter with them- “Just floated lazily by so I could admire its graceful beauty!”
Yes! Such a tranquil and serene sight to behold.