EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

24-30 April 2023

Click on image for larger version

Pelicans Afloat, Part 1

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), Family Pelecanidae
Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  Here in east Africa, we are enjoying a flotilla of Great White Pelicans!  This is the second-largest pelican species, after the enormous Dalmatian Pelican, not found in this area.  

It is early August in this photo, just a bit after breeding season, when their white plumage turns more pinkish as shown here.  And the individual in front is a female, marked by her bright orange bare facial skin.  

They are a social creature, typically feeding together in alkaline, saline, or freshwater lakes, such as here at Lake Nakuru.  We shall see more of this in next week's Part 2 ...  

  

Next week's picture:  Pelicans Afloat, Part 2

< Previous ... | Archive | Index | Location | Search | About EPOW | ... Next >

 

Google Earth locations
shows all EPOW locations;
must have Google Earth installed

Author & Webmaster: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot
Disclaimers and Legal Statements
Original material on Ecology Picture of the Week © Bruce G. Marcot unless denoted otherwise