In mid-January, Rich and I came across a fun surprise on our afternoon walks. A flock of American White Pelicans had taken over one of our ponds for swimming practice! They obligingly stayed while I went home to grab the camera.

This was the first time we’d seen American White Pelicans in the neighborhood, and the cats scurried to update their neighborhood list. Photographing the birds in the harsh afternoon light with the reflections of many houses in the water proved to be a challenge, but I got a few keepers.

The pelicans weren’t the only ones using the pond that afternoon. A sizable flock of Double-crested Cormorants was also swimming laps that afternoon. One bird was sporting the double crest of his breeding plumage. It reminded me that, despite the day’s cold-snap temperatures, the birds know that spring is right around the corner!

After a little while, the pelicans decided to move on. One after one, they lined up on a makeshift water runway, swimming its length and flapping vigorously as they took to the air. I waved goodbye and thanked them for flight shot opportunities. Maybe they will come back tomorrow. :)