Birdland: Gone Fishing
American White Pelicans are huge waterbirds with broad wings and massive bills. During the breeding season adults grow horns on their upper mandibles. These heavy birds are superb soarers and often travel long distances in large flocks. On the water, they are a sight to behold. They feed by dipping their beaks into the water and scooping up great pouchfuls of fish. Then they upend their long bills, let the water drain out, and gulp down their dinner. This American White Pelican was photographed by Mark Silverstein along First Creek Trail, a few miles northeast of Park Hill.