In November the California Brown Pelicans showed up at Bolsa Chica in numbers. As has been the routine in the last few years, they were late and did not stay long. This species is one of my favorites:

• The long beak and pouch give them a very comical look ... especially when looking directly at you.
• They have an amazing flying agility ... particularly given the long wing span ... about 7 feet
• The shape of their wings is very cool and is accentuated by its length
• Their dives from heights are amazing considering their size
• There is no vocalization between the birds (at least in the human frequency range) yet they often act in unison 

A juvenile flying away from me has spotted fish and is putting on the brakes to make a steep turn followed by a dive: 

Here's an adult making a similar maneuver:

Wings are fully extended and its headed down to the "big splash":

Just before hitting the water, the bird folds its wings back and opens its beak to make a big scoop:

Here's that comical look as this adult is pondering its next move:

Getting back into the air takes a bit of an effort... several hops with wings flapping and a final leap usually does the job:

As a student pilot, I quickly learned about  "Ground effect"  ... a natural effect in which any wing creates a cushion of air under it when the wings gets within a given distance to the ground (or water).  Birds, particularly Pelicans, use "ground effect" to float long distances while expending minimal energy:

Oh Boy!  Here's a impending dive lined up directly at me.  You can see the curve of those great wings:

After a morning's work, this bird was found sitting on a fence; resting. It's warily keeping an eye on me ... :

If you ever get the chance, take a moment to watch these big birds at work.  It's another of nature's little spectacles and pretty amazing to see in person!

Thanks for looking,

Adam