Very clever, Isabel. You have succeeded in producing continuity in a fantastic narrative. The comedic lines sometimes distract from their magnificence and the artistry of some of your photos. These birds deserve both memes and you have caught them deftly.
For me, the most iconic image of pelicans (which, I admit, I have never managed to catch on camera) is the “splat” as they hit the water fishing — beak open, wings and legs flailing. It’s not like a gannet, which goes in like a javelin. Or like ducks and geese, who come in with landing gear extended. It’s more like a feathered mistake, from which the pelican emerges with its beak filled with water. And when the water drains off, presto, there’s a fish in there somewhere!
Jim T
Jim – We saw them diving/fishing in the Galapagos (starting from about 20 feet in the air- maybe more) and you’re right, it’s very impressive. (It makes you wonder whether pelicans can be concussed.) Alas, I’ve never caught it in a photo, either. These were on a river so there was no diving from a great height, just a very intent circling and then, sploosh, ass over teakettle, as they ducked down to try to catch a fish.
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Photo Memory of the Week
Posted: 2025 Sep 05
Music of the Week
Quotes of the Week
From the #ItsGoodToBeKing file . . .
“Philip, by the grace of God king of the French, to Boniface who acts as though he were pope, little or no greeting. Let your great fatuity know that in temporalities we are subject to no-one…”
Philip IV “the Fair” of France responding to a letter from Pope Boniface VIII rebuking the king for appointing clerics without regard to papal wishes, a letter that was conspicuously burned, quoted in Brian Tierney, The Crisis of Church & State 1050-1300
pelicans in the mist … more like red mist descending. HaHa
Barbara – I haven’t seen that usage for “anger” before.
Very clever, Isabel. You have succeeded in producing continuity in a fantastic narrative. The comedic lines sometimes distract from their magnificence and the artistry of some of your photos. These birds deserve both memes and you have caught them deftly.
Laurna – Thanks kindly. Very kindly.
Isabel, you found a gaggle or horde or herd of pelicans to play with! Wow, for your pictures and your movie!
Mary – I did! On two days in a row – and I bet they’re still there, fishing just below the dam. Glad you enjoyed it.
For me, the most iconic image of pelicans (which, I admit, I have never managed to catch on camera) is the “splat” as they hit the water fishing — beak open, wings and legs flailing. It’s not like a gannet, which goes in like a javelin. Or like ducks and geese, who come in with landing gear extended. It’s more like a feathered mistake, from which the pelican emerges with its beak filled with water. And when the water drains off, presto, there’s a fish in there somewhere!
Jim T
Jim – We saw them diving/fishing in the Galapagos (starting from about 20 feet in the air- maybe more) and you’re right, it’s very impressive. (It makes you wonder whether pelicans can be concussed.) Alas, I’ve never caught it in a photo, either. These were on a river so there was no diving from a great height, just a very intent circling and then, sploosh, ass over teakettle, as they ducked down to try to catch a fish.