Pelican

I have been impressed by pelicans, ever since I saw my first one in fifth grade.  They are so big and you can get really close to them.

The bird is a mature one.  They have more color than the young brown pelicans, which are just brown.  The feathers standing up on the back of his head is unusual.  At first I thought maybe he was protecting his perch.  He is standing on a really tall post at the entrance to the pass.  Many birds love this perch.  After painting this pelican the ruffling of his feathers indicate that it was a really windy day. 

I just remembered a photo I got of a pelican I took I south Carolina this spring.  Maybe I will paint that bird tomorrow.