California Brown Pelican Photo
See our Guide to Photographing Pelicans in La Jolla.
I went down to one of my favorite spots in La Jolla yesterday morning, one I have visited each winter since the late ’80s, to test out a lens combination on the California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) that rest along the cliffs. Here are a few snaps.
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| Brown pelican head throw. During a bill throw, the pelican arches its neck back, lifting its large bill upward and stretching its throat pouch. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 18044 Species: Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Location: La Jolla, California, USA |
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| Brown pelican. This large seabird has a wingspan over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status, due largely to predation in the early 1900s and to decades of poor reproduction caused by DDT poisoning. In winter months, breeding males assume a dramatic plumage with brown neck, yellow and white head and bright red-orange throat pouch. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 18043 Species: Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Location: La Jolla, California, USA |
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| Brown pelican preening. This large seabird has a wingspan over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status, due largely to predation in the early 1900s and to decades of poor reproduction caused by DDT poisoning. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 18045 Species: Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Location: La Jolla, California, USA |
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| Brown pelican. This large seabird has a wingspan over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status, due largely to predation in the early 1900s and to decades of poor reproduction caused by DDT poisoning. In winter months, breeding males assume a dramatic plumage with brown neck, yellow and white head and bright red-orange throat pouch. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 18046 Species: Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Location: La Jolla, California, USA |
![]() |
| Brown pelican. This large seabird has a wingspan over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status, due largely to predation in the early 1900s and to decades of poor reproduction caused by DDT poisoning. In winter months, breeding males assume a dramatic plumage with brown neck, yellow and white head and bright red-orange throat pouch. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 18047 Species: Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Location: La Jolla, California, USA |
See: brown pelican photos.



























