2009 Pelican Convention

I'm not a well-versed in birds...I'm not even sure if I know what they call a bird scientist, but I've grown to really love the variety and often uniqueness of the birds that hangout on the North Oregon Coast.

On Father's Day this past weekend we went to see the sunset at the beach. When we peaked at the large sand dune that borders the beach, we were impressed by a mass of Pelicans. It must have been the 2009 Pelican Convention. I've never seen such a sight...it was amazing.

Anxious to get to the party!

(Click the pictures for an enlarged image)

Usually they caravan in a long line, often flying close to the water.

These pelicans are quite large. I love the shape of their wide wings as they calmly, yet powerfully fly through the air.

Catching up with the latest news. (Its interesting to note that the seagulls sat right behind the massive flock of Pelicans as if they were waiting patiently to pick-up the left-behinds from the party. I was surprised the Pelicans were so nice to the Seagulls, but at the same time the Seagulls were quite respectful of the Pelicans.)

The sunset made a nice backdrop for the Pelican 'dance floor'. There were more Pelicans circling in the air and diving in the water than there were 'wall flowers' waiting on the shore.