white pelican pelecanus onocrotalus

I took this photo during a short trip to Danube Delta. This handsome male still has the beautiful colours from the breeding time.

The stretch of sand protects the birds from the roaring see. The shallow water stops the boat from getting closer. Well protected the birds can go on preening or sleeping.

This birds, in breeding plumage, were nice enough to pose for me.

While he flew near my boat I could take several photos. This is one I like due to the good details I got.

In a nice evening I was pleased to sail near this island hosting a great flock of white pelicans. The photo shows only a part of the flock. I am not sure if the birds were in Romania or Ukraine because, sailing in the Romanian waters, I was not sure where the border between the two countries was.

The photographic trip to Danube Delta would not have been complete without a meeting with the mighty white pelican. This one was kind enough to fly in the near of my boat enabling me to take a detailed photo.

While some flocks of White Pelicans are sheltering near the reedbeds others are facing the wind on the open water.

There have been five windy days. Even the big pelicans have looked for shelter. A flock of them found it here near the reedbeds.

Even if the small pice of dryed floating reed bed was good enough for a rest it was not good to give safety to the birds. Therefore as soon as the boat came in there near by both birds flew away.

I got too close with the boat! After sitting and posing me for several shots the pelican decided to find an other place to stay. I was sorry disturbing the bird but happy to get this in flight shot.

It is the White Pelican who can be considered Danube Delta's master. Seeing the large flocks of birds flying to feeding areas is a delight.

The White Pelican is one of the big birds living in Danube Delta. Birds are relatively frienly and let you get close. Even so there is a limit bird will not allow you getting closer.

White Pelican