American White Pelican - Oso Flaco Lake, California Canvas Print

This American White Pelican took to the air at Oso Flaco Lake near Guadalupe, California.

The American White Pelican is one of North America's largest birds and the heaviest flying birds in the world. Unlike Brown Pelicans, the American White Pelican does not dive into the water. Instead, they eat by dipping their beaks into the water to catch fish and other aquatic animals, often cooperating with other pelicans by driving fish in groups to shallow water where they are scooped into their enormous bills.

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is part of Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area. The lake gained its name when the Portola expedition came through the area in 1769 and made a meal of "un oso flaco" - a skinny bear. This part of the State Park is located away from the better known off-roading area of the sand dunes, with entry being over ten miles away near the small town of Guadalupe.

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog