Reflective Pelican

AlexMatos, on October 22, 2007, said:

And he is looking at the mirror....

Cheers, Alex

Marilyn Whiteley, on October 22, 2007, said:

I hope he's just admiring himself, and doesn't get upset. In Australia, when we were parked near the sea, a beautiful small blue bird discovered his reflection in our car's rear view mirror, and he attacked it! Apparently he thought it was a rival for his mate who also came to the car but had no interest in the "other bird."

Cheers, Marilyn

Ryan Calhoun, on October 22, 2007, said:

:-) Marilyn I was just thinking that about the photo before I read your comment. Maybe pelicans are actually always trying to attack their reflections, and only catch fish as an afterthought once they realize they're underwater. Cheers, Ryan

Lilypon, on October 22, 2007, said:

Wonderful shot Marilyn!!! :D Every time I see the pelicans in the water here they take off to the furthest side of the lake or pond. A train (within feet) can go right by them, a herd of cattle can drink near them, but let us slow down and they are GONE. :(

Marilyn Whiteley, on October 23, 2007, said:

Ryan, I like your theory!! Incidentally, I didn't know until that evening that pelicans are too buoyant to dive all the way under water to get food. They try, but they just bob back up!

And Pam, these knew that the food that was coming was worth tolerating the human presence! Cheers, Marilyn

©Daniela Brocca, on October 23, 2007, said:

Very nice Marilyn, I'm sure I never saw one. I like the idea of Ryan too.Very singular!

Cheers to both Daniela

Marilyn Whiteley, on October 23, 2007, said:

Thanks, Daniela. The first I ever saw were in Yellowstone Lake within the national park. I was fascinated then, and I've been fascinated each time I've seen them since then.

(One of my fairly early postings on Panoramio was a pelican shot from Mexico. It has had some views over the months though not one comment.)

Cheers, Marilyn

©junebug, on October 23, 2007, said:

Lovely picture, Marilyn! I like the title, too. It seems to me as if the pelican is absorbed in thought. Greetings, Anne

Marilyn Whiteley, on October 23, 2007, said:

Absorbed in thought and oblivious to all that's going on around it. Thanks, Anne. Cheers, Marilyn

Ospr3y, on November 20, said:

Wow! You've been everywhere! With some great photos!