It wasn't until we got up close that we realised just how vivid the colours are. The beautiful sunshine really brought them out. Does anyone know if the colours become more vivid during the mating season? looks like kids have got to them with colourful textas! :D
During the courtship period, the bill and pouch of the birds change colour dramatically. The forward half of the pouch becomes bright salmon pink, while the skin of the pouch in the throat region turns chrome yellow. Parts of the top and base of the bill change to cobalt blue, and a black diagonal strip appears from the base to the tip. This colour change is of short duration, the intensity usually subsiding by the time incubation starts.
Great photos by the way. I might have to go and see if I can find some that have these beautifully bright colours. Thanks for sharing.
WOW, those colours are absolutely stunning. I'm amazed with the sharpness of those images too. Thanks for sharing, I too had never seen such bright colours on a pelican before, always good to learn something new!!
Ryu Canberra Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
While we were there (Healesville Sanctuary) the whole flock were on dry land, preening. The noise of their combined beaks 'clack-clack-clacking' was amazing. They were doing all sorts of gymnastics to get at just the right feather! :D
Some very good shots here Roly. Can't say I have seen these bright markings before.
Samford Valley Qld.
It wasn't until we got up close that we realised just how vivid the colours are. The beautiful sunshine really brought them out.
Does anyone know if the colours become more vivid during the mating season?
looks like kids have got to them with colourful textas! :D
Roly
Healesville
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36062443@N04/sets/72157632450588204/
That is their breeding plumage and isnt it amazing! I have never seen them with so vibrant colours.
wow, great pics, i really like #1
Tegan - Melbourne Vic.
Yes it is beautiful isn't it. You are correct Roly it is to do with Breeding. Here is a snippit I got from http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Pelecanus-conspicillatus
During the courtship period, the bill and pouch of the birds change colour dramatically. The forward half of the pouch becomes bright salmon pink, while the skin of the pouch in the throat region turns chrome yellow. Parts of the top and base of the bill change to cobalt blue, and a black diagonal strip appears from the base to the tip. This colour change is of short duration, the intensity usually subsiding by the time incubation starts.
Great photos by the way. I might have to go and see if I can find some that have these beautifully bright colours. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous! Do any of the other 7 pelican species go through dramatic colour chnges too Devster?
Tegan - Melbourne Vic.
Hi Roly !! How are you? I saw those same Pelicans last week, I have never seen them that brightly coloured before either.
Stunning photos as always !!
M-L
WOW, those colours are absolutely stunning. I'm amazed with the sharpness of those images too. Thanks for sharing, I too had never seen such bright colours on a pelican before, always good to learn something new!!
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
whoa, great closeups, super colours.
Thanks Devster! Obviously, we timed it just right to see them! :D
Roly
Healesville
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36062443@N04/sets/72157632450588204/
Hello M-L!
Have been quite sick for nearly 9 months (no, not pregnant!).
How are YOU going?
When are you coming to visit? :D
Roly
Healesville
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36062443@N04/sets/72157632450588204/
While we were there (Healesville Sanctuary) the whole flock were on dry land, preening. The noise of their combined beaks 'clack-clack-clacking' was amazing. They were doing all sorts of gymnastics to get at just the right feather! :D
Roly
Healesville
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36062443@N04/sets/72157632450588204/
Got to look good for the ladies!
Tegan - Melbourne Vic.
Sent you a PM
cheers M-L
M-L
Thats a great question tegan, I have no idea. I will have to do some research.