Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
In-flight Beverage

A spot-billed pelican scoops a bill full of water to carry back to its chicks in the nest. As it scoops the water, it rushes into its lower pouch which causes drag and the head snaps back with the weight of the onrushing water. This cause the head to snap back momentarily. I waited for this moment and made this image as the water dribbled out of its bill, as it dragged its head back to normal.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2022
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Ranganathittu, India
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Zhayynn James