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 Apr 19
Video of the Week: “It was an ambush!”
Leeloo whups a bunch of armed and nasty aliens, unarmed and all by her own self.
The quote is at timestamp 1:43.
Poetry of the Week
On Tender Hooks
- by Brian Bilston
Let me cut to the cheese: every time you open your mouth, I’m on tender hooks.
You charge at the English language like a bowl in a china shop. Please nip it in the butt.
On the spurt of the moment, the phrases tumble out. It’s time you gave up the goat.
Curve your enthusiasm. Don’t give them free range. The chickens will come home to roast.
Now you are in high dungeon. You think me a damp squid: on your phrases I shouldn’t impose.
But they spread like wildflowers in a doggy-dog world, and your spear of influence grows.
Posted: 2025 Apr 20
Face Photos from Readers
Thanks to John Whitman for this slightly dismayed face from downtown Ottawa.
This space is available for other submissions.
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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.