Brown Pelicans are huge and colorful birds as much as 4 ft long with a wingspan of 6 ft. They became almost extinct in the 1970’s, and their plight led to the banning of pesticides like DDT. Since then they have made a come back and are now no longer listed as endangered. I found many of them at Natural Bridges State Park and at the Moss Landing Wildlife Area between Santa Cruz and Marina.
Brown Pelicans at Natural Bridge.
Brown Pelican at Natural Bridge.
Brown Pelican at Natural Bridge. Yes, I am looking at you, photographer!
Brown Pelicans at Moss Landing Wildlife Refuge.
Brown Pelicans at Moss Landing Wildlife Refuge.
