The pelicans at Pirates Landing, Port Isabel, Tx don’t even have to work for their food.

People fish off of the long pier and there’s a filleting station where their catch is cleaned for them.

Feeding Frenzy

Scraps are tossed back into the bay, and the pelicans gather near to and under the pier for an effortless meal. Even at that, some greedily try to steal from others.

Stretching to swallow the fish in his bill

The pelican in my feature photo must have had his fill. He was resting lazily on the pier railing and made no effort to join the others. He didn’t even flinch as I approached him for the photo.

“Nature’s prime favourites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.”

James Montgomery