John, thanks so much for your note. I was baffled by the white pelicans when I first saw them on the Columbia, oh, thirty years ago, on the Hanford Reach. I'd grown up with Brown Pelicans in Panama and assumed, too casually, that pelicans were bound to the ocean. Stunning to see these big, white birds so far inland. But I had no idea they would be as far west as Whidbey. That must be quite a sight!
Great pictures Tim! Just in the past few years, white pelicans have been hanging out in the summer in a couple of places on Whidbey. They roost in fresh water lagoons, but head out to the sound to feet. There's a flock of about 150 I can see from my house. I've seen them in California on the Salton Sea, hanging out with their brown cousins.
John, thanks so much for your note. I was baffled by the white pelicans when I first saw them on the Columbia, oh, thirty years ago, on the Hanford Reach. I'd grown up with Brown Pelicans in Panama and assumed, too casually, that pelicans were bound to the ocean. Stunning to see these big, white birds so far inland. But I had no idea they would be as far west as Whidbey. That must be quite a sight!
Great pictures Tim! Just in the past few years, white pelicans have been hanging out in the summer in a couple of places on Whidbey. They roost in fresh water lagoons, but head out to the sound to feet. There's a flock of about 150 I can see from my house. I've seen them in California on the Salton Sea, hanging out with their brown cousins.