A California Brown Pelican (Pelicans occidentals) preening on the cliffs at La Jolla, California. Note that the gular pouch (throat) skin is vibrant red during mating season; the colors in this image have not been enhanced.
A California Brown Pelican engaged in "head throw" behavior. Pelicans frequently toss their heads backwards, open their beaks, and expand their gular pouch. The maneuver is most likely a means to maintain the health and elasticity of pouch skin, La Jolla, California, February 2018. Canon 5D IV, 100-400mm IS Mark II, ISO 800, 1/640 second @ F/7.1, image size 4480 x 6082 pixels.
Sandhill Crane calling in flight at Bernardo Wildlife Management Area, New Mexico January 2018. Canon 5D IV, 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4x, ISO 800, 1/3200 @ f/5.6, image size 6720 x 4480 pixels.
