Photographed on Captiva Island, Florida

Late February
Nikkor 500 mm lens
 

Unlike the white pelican, this species is found in coastal habitat. They dive deep and use their pouch to catch fish. In Washington State, brown pelicans are mainly seen along the coast from Grays Harbor to the Columbia River. 

Brown pelican numbers were decimated in the 60's due to eggshell-thinning from pesticides. Many coastal populations are recovering, but they are still classified as a Federal Endangered Species. Habitat loss remains a major problem.