American White Pelicans
Touchdown Pair
One American White Pelican powers in with wings raised while a partner keeps working the glassy surface nearby. Pelicans often feed cooperatively, sweeping side by side to herd fish into tighter water before scooping them up with those oversized orange pouches.
License: Public Domain
Mirror-Wing Landing
Framed head-on against a nearly motionless lake, this pelican skims in with wings fully spread and its reflection almost perfectly intact below. Despite their bulk, American White Pelicans can land with remarkable control, using their broad wings and oversized feet like airbrakes.
License: Public Domain
Pouchful Pause
Floating low and relaxed, this pelican shows the long bill and expandable throat pouch that make the species such an efficient fish-catcher. The pouch is a net, not a pantry: after scooping prey and water together, the bird drains the water before swallowing the fish whole.
License: Public Domain
Water-Run Liftoff
Long wings beating and feet slapping the surface, this pelican is caught in the running start that launches such a heavy bird into the air. American White Pelicans need that watery runway, especially in calm conditions, before their nearly nine-foot wingspan fully takes over.
License: Public Domain
Photo License: Public Domain
All of the nature and wildlife photographs on this page were taken by me at or around Lake Koshkonong. I’ve released every image into the public domain, which means you’re free to download, copy, modify, and use them for any purpose—personal or commercial—without asking permission or providing attribution. Enjoy them, share them, and let them inspire your own projects.