21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Pelicans gather at Sunset at a Beach on the Central Coast of California

The last waning hours of sunset at a beach near Pietras Blancas, in the Big Sur area of California. I was getting my last shutter clicks in before the light disapeared. The Pelican silhouettes were a stark contrast to the orange glow of the sun as it sank into the Pacific ocean. One Pelican decided to spread its wings to take flight. Beautiful view.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Cambria, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Dean Busquaert