Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Spot Billed Pelican

sony H-7; f/4.5; 1/125 sec

f/4.5; 1/320 sec

f/4.5; 1/250

This bird is found in many water tracts of India, the large blue-black spots on the upper beak is a key to identify this species. When not fishing or sleeping they spend time preening themselves. They fish in a group. In the 2nd photograph, there were actually three pelicans; but only two are visible. They form a semicircle, drive the fish towards the shallow waters and then scoop the fish out with their pouch which acts like a net. The bag is actually the pelican's elastic skin which overhangs the entire length of the lower bill.
These birds prefer tall trees for nesting and may lay upto 3 white eggs at a time.
Photographed at Bangalore ( unable to recall the name given to the lake. )
Awaiting your comments.

5 comments:

  1. Excellent pictures!

    Here through BE's Battle of the Blogs and you've got my vote ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great shots. We do not see many pelicans around here anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just have to say that them kodak moments I've been looking at brings back happy memories!
    I sit back with excitement and tears looking at this priceless art! It's funny how a simple picture when seen can tell a whollllleeee story! haha well hey guys thanks so much for sharing, sometimes people need an enlightment of visual beauty to uplift the soul, and this sure did do the job!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great captures! From these 3 eggs that they lay how many survive?

    ReplyDelete
  5. wooow it is just stunning and I LOVE IT !! Amazing pictures... It is an honor to see and read this

    ReplyDelete