It is said that Australian pelicans do not dive. I was photographing pelicans in flight along the tidal creak when one unexpectedly dived and broke its neck. Other pelicans flew to investigate and then formed a line as if paying their final respects.
Wow how sad.
I didn't realise pelicans generally didn't dive.
Now I can now see why.
Great capture & story of a sad event.
But I guess thats the whole circle of life.
This pelican will now give back to nature by feeding many fish, crabs etc
Thanks for sharing
Amazing!
It is so interesting to see the life cycles of birds.
Thanks for sharing this story and the pictures.
Happy Birding!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/138588528@N02/
I think it was a landing mistake. Just like a big plane, if they come in too deep, or the wing feathers at the wrong angle , the bird stalls and goes head (nose) down. I have seen it before. A big bird like a Pelican cannot correct as fast as a small bird.
M-L
I did see it happen. Just as I tried to take photo It was sudden vertical dive with wing folded for speed. I think bird has seen the fish and made the mistake.
The Jonathan Livingston Seagull of pelicans maybe? But with a less happy ending...
Cheers
Tim
Brisbane