Over the relevant eight minutes I remained seated, as the sole pelican’s feet stayed still, several metres away, ”planted” in shallow water near Lake Monger’s western shore.
S/he reminded me of several Irish button accordion masters I have viewed from a similar distance – their feet moving not at all, but their body’s upper half highly mobile, its many movements oft-unpredictable.
Pelecanus conspicillatus – the Australian Pelican – has a bill bigger than a Michelin 3 star restaurant’s; no other bird’s is bigger.
According to George Adams’ The Complete Guide to Australian Birds:
The Australian Pelican has survived virtually unchanged in Australia for 30-40 million years, completely adapted to its environment.
Pictured above and below are examples of “pelican yoga”.
All photos copyright Doug Spencer.
Great shots, Doug. It would have been fascinating to see the live action.