One of my favorite birds, Brown Pelicans have been seen riding the thermals along the coastline. Richard Hansen photographed the returning adults.
Adult Brown Pelicans have white heads and brown underparts. The juveniles with their brown heads and white underparts will be seen once they have grown strong enough to undertake the migration.
Thanks to Richard for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Rick and I were enjoying the beautiful Thursday morning, looking at the wildflowers and hoping to see some Gray Whales. We were just south of Black Point Beach. There's a rock where a few Western Gulls are nesting. As we approached, a squadron of Brown Pelicans flew by, almost at eye level. It's our first sighting of them this spring.
These are adult Brown Pelicans. You can see their white heads.
At this point the Pelicans headed towards land and they gained altitude before heading off to the north.
They are air surfers! It is always thrilling to see them as they glide across the sky.
To see a close-up of an adult Brown Pelican, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/04/26/brown-pelican-splash-down-as-photographed-by-siegfried-matull/