Pelicans: Florida’s Goofy, Graceful Coastal Giants
One of the things I truly enjoy about my trips to Florida—but don’t always see as often as I’d like—are pelicans. These large, goofy-looking birds with their long beaks and webbed feet never fail to make me smile. At first glance, they may look awkward, but the more you watch them, the more impressive they become.
Pelicans are instantly recognizable by their oversized bills and expandable throat pouches. That pouch plays a critical role in how they feed. When fishing, pelicans scoop up fish along with a mouthful of water, then drain the excess water before swallowing the fish whole. Watching this process never gets old—it’s fascinating and oddly entertaining.
Where I’ve Found Pelicans in Florida
I’ve almost always encountered pelicans along the coast, especially near beaches, marinas, and waterfront restaurants. They seem to have figured out that fishermen are excellent neighbors. Fish that are released back into the water are often briefly stunned, which makes for very easy fishing for a patient pelican waiting nearby.
Some of my favorite places where I’ve had great pelican encounters include:
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A marina on Sanibel Island (near J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge)
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Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg
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Around the restaurants and marina in Dunedin
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Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
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Near the public beach in Boynton Beach
Of course, pelicans can be found in many more locations than this, but these spots have given me some of my best and most memorable opportunities. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph both Brown Pelicans and American White Pelicans, though the white ones have been far less common for me.
One of my favorite pelican moments didn’t even involve my camera. I was out to dinner with family in Dunedin when I noticed a pelican perched casually on the boardwalk railing. I stood next to it while my sister took a photo of me and my new “friend.” I’ll admit—I was a little nervous being that close. I kept giving it a sideways glance, half expecting it to peck at me or make a move. But that pelican couldn’t have cared less. It was completely unbothered.
Pelican Habitat, Diet & Nesting
Pelicans are primarily coastal birds, though they can also be found on large inland lakes and estuaries. They thrive in environments with abundant fish and open water where they have room to take off and land.
Diet:
Pelicans feed mainly on fish, such as mullet, menhaden, and small schooling fish. Brown Pelicans are famous for their dramatic plunge-diving, while White Pelicans typically work together in groups to herd fish into shallow water before scooping them up.
Breeding & Nesting:
Pelicans are colonial nesters, meaning they nest in large groups for protection. Brown Pelicans often nest on coastal islands, mangroves, or even man-made structures, while White Pelicans prefer more remote inland islands. Nests are built low to the ground, and both parents share incubation duties and care for the young. Watching juveniles beg for food—with their oversized bills still growing—is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Photographing Pelicans
Photographing pelicans is fairly straightforward, much like photographing other birds—especially birds in flight.
A telephoto lens is ideal, though pelicans sometimes get so close that they can almost be too much bird for your frame. For birds in flight, you’ll want a wider aperture to let in light and freeze motion. I typically shoot around f/7.1 with a shutter speed near 1/2000 sec.
When pelicans are perched, you don’t need such a fast shutter speed—especially if you’re using a lighter lens. That said, I tend to keep my shutter speed on the higher side anyway to stop any sudden movement and to compensate for the weight of my larger prime lens. If a pelican is close and relaxed, it’s also a great opportunity to switch things up and capture an environmental shot with a wider, landscape-style lens.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Pelicans may look a little goofy, but they are incredibly smart, efficient, and fascinating birds to watch and photograph. Every encounter feels different, and that’s what keeps me coming back for more.
I’d love to hear from you—have you ever had a memorable pelican encounter? Or is there a bird you’d love to see me write about next? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to follow along for more posts about my photography adventures, wildlife encounters, and travels.
There’s always another story waiting just around the corner. 🐦💙
