American White Pelican

Description:

A large, almost all white bird with a wing span of up to 9 feet. The Pelican scoops up fish with its large bill.

Habitat:

I spotted these birds in marshy wetlands near shallow water. The birds would preen on dry land or in shallow water, then some would fly nearby to a small area of deeper water to take a bath.

Notes:

Ridgefield NWR visitors have been treated to up to groups of 80 American White Pelicans this summer. I personally spotted about 35 in a group. http://dennisdavenportphotography.com/