Shooting for feathers and to "protect" fishing caused declines in pelican populations in the first half of the 20th century. Pesticide poisoning, especially by DDT, caused severe declines across the range in the late 1950's and the extirpation from Louisiana ("the pelican state"). It was listed as Endangered throughout the range in 1970. The ban on DDT led to a population recovery, and it was removed from the Endangered Species list in Atlantic Coast states in 1985. Breeding numbers in most states are stable or increasing, and the total population in the United States now exceeds historical levels.
The brown pelican is unique among pelicans, in that it lives only near the coast. It also dives quite spectacularly from mid-air when going for a fish.
Posted by Leann Greene on January 5, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Very nice pose and I love the feather detail. If it were mine I'd clone out the poo stain even if it is common and natural.
Posted by Jason Taylor on January 8, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Great shot! I like the fact that you shot it in subdued lighting. The contrast of this particular plummage phase can be an exposure nightmare in direct sunlight.
Pelicans seem to have personality, and they have certainly made a comeback. If you've never seen them fly along the coast or perform thier spectacular diving/feeding manuevers, you don't know what you're missing.
Discussion
3 repliesShooting for feathers and to "protect" fishing caused declines in pelican populations in the first half of the 20th century. Pesticide poisoning, especially by DDT, caused severe declines across the range in the late 1950's and the extirpation from Louisiana ("the pelican state"). It was listed as Endangered throughout the range in 1970. The ban on DDT led to a population recovery, and it was removed from the Endangered Species list in Atlantic Coast states in 1985. Breeding numbers in most states are stable or increasing, and the total population in the United States now exceeds historical levels.
The brown pelican is unique among pelicans, in that it lives only near the coast. It also dives quite spectacularly from mid-air when going for a fish.
Pelicans seem to have personality, and they have certainly made a comeback. If you've never seen them fly along the coast or perform thier spectacular diving/feeding manuevers, you don't know what you're missing.