Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016

Bald Eagles and raptors were not the only birds affected by the use of DDT; in fact hundreds of species were adversely affected and during the 1960’s and 70’s, the California Brown Pelican was facing extinction. DDT disrupts calcium metabolism resulting in defective egg shell development. The thin shelled eggs were either incompatible with life or broken during incubation; in either case the thin shells resulted in reproductive failure. In 1971, the Brown Pelican was listed as an endangered species and in 1972, DDT was banned; because of conservation efforts, the Brown Pelican population is now strong and viable. In 2009, nearly 40 years after Brown Pelicans were listed as endangered, they were removed from the Federal endangered species list. Pelicans remain vulnerable to chemicals, oil spills and nesting disruptions as they will hastily abandon their nest and eggs when disturbed.

The Magnificent Countenance of a California Brown Pelican
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/id
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Question: How do Pelicans keep their feathers healthy and waterproof?
Answer: By cleaning and distributing oil from their uropygial gland to their feathers in a behavior known as preening.

The uropygial gland is located on their dorsum (back) above the tail; pelicans contort their necks as they reach for the gland with their beaks; the oil is then transferred from the gland to the beak and subsequently distributed to all the feathers via a relentless ritual of rubbing, biting, and stroking their feathers. The oil maintains the health and water resistance of the feathers.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A Pelican rubbing his beak on his uropygial gland in an effort to collect oil prior to preening. The Pelicans frequently pause from preening in order to replenish the oil on their bills; once the oil is refreshed, the feather conditioning endeavor continues.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis uropygial gland preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
It is fascinating to observe Brown Pelicans constantly preening their feathers. These massive birds twist and turn their necks and bodies as they clean, fluff, and oil their feathers; they are very thorough and careful to groom every inch of their feathered exterior. Pelicans and most species of birds have a uropygial gland (oil gland); ostrich, emu, doves, and woodpeckers do not possess the gland.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I observed many different preening behaviors but most often, the Pelicans would repeatedly slide their feathers between their beaks.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I wasn't sure if this Pelican was preening his crest (head) feathers or using his head to burnish and clean hard to reach feathers. Note the uropygial gland (oil gland) just above the tail.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A magnificent pair of adult Pelicans decorated in full breeding regalia preening in unison atop the cliffs at La Jolla, California. Once mating is accomplished, their bright vibrant beaks, skin and feather hues will dissipate.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
Pelicans Roost
Roosting Pelicans and Cormorants share the cliffs at La Jolla, California.
pelican roost la jolla california pacific ocean coast landscape
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Peacefully roosting adult California Brown Pelican.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife
Pacific Coast California
Pacific Coast, La Jolla, California.
la jolla california pacific ocean coast landscape
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I captured this image while this Pelican was preening his flight feathers; at the time, I did not realize that his eye was visible as if peeking through window blinds.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
The gular pouch is puncture resistant and allows the Pelican to trap sharp spined prey while avoiding gular injury. Note that this pelican has a fish in it's pouch; the dorsal fin spines are visibly protruding.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis gular pouch la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Brown Pelican in flight, La Jolla, California.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis flight la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Appearing much like pterodactyls, Pelicans ride the waves as they navigate toward their roosting sites.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis flight la jolla california bird wildlife
Where Pelicans Ride The Waves
Pacific Coast, La Jolla California.
la jolla california pacific ocean coast landscape
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Each morning, the Pelicans return from feeding at sea and congregate along the cliffs of La Jolla. When not preening, they bask in the sun, rest, sleep, and just seem to enjoy life.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Dinosaur-like, a restful mature Pelican has the demeanor of a wise old man. This beautiful creature allowed me to photograph him at fairly close range; he was trusting and remained calm but I was respectful and quickly retreated after capturing a portrait image.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife