The Power of Wings. Silent Passage

American White Pelican in flight.  Huntsville, July 2026

Generally, life is good.

Resting Pair

American White Pelicans, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

Silent Conversation

 

By removing the color and introducing a strong contrast, I discovered something I hadn't noticed before—the silence. Light became the only voice.

***

I never intended to spend this much time exploring black and white photography. It began as a simple experiment, but I’m finding so much joy in the process that I’m happy to just let it run its course to the end. 

The Morning Briefing

 

American White Pelicans in Huntsville.

Storm Clouds and White Feathers

The morning brought with it a strong wind and cold.

The sky stretched overhead covered with heavy storm clouds. The lake seemed completely deserted, not a single fisherman dared to risk getting soaked to the bone.

Yet, the American White pelicans remained utterly unfazed, gliding through the chaos as if the approaching storm were nothing more than a passing breeze.

Generally, life is good.

The Feathered Spa Club

Morning Ritual

 

The White American pelican in the back has a fibrous "horn" on its upper bill. It only appears during breeding season and is shed after laying eggs.

Generally, life is good.

Meeting at First Light

 

It came as a big surprise to find the American White Pelicans arriving at Bear River MBR a week earlier than expected this year. The Double-crested Cormorants, too, have already returned to their summer home, as if the season could not wait any longer.

Generally, life is good.

American White Pelican Cleans Its Feathers

 

Pelicans are hardly famous for elegance. And yet, every now and then, they catch you off guard—moving with an unexpected grace that feels almost deliberate.

Generally, life is good.

Wings in Motion: White American Pelicans

 

I’m slowly returning to my beloved birds—especially the White American pelicans. 

“Returning” may be an exaggeration; I’m simply editing unposted photos, waiting for spring, when the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will welcome the pelicans home.

Generally, life is good.

On the Wings. American White Pelican in Flight

 

Among the flock one soars.

Generally, life is good.

Clear the Runway!

 

When you try to sneak into the group quietly… and fail spectacular.

Generally, life is good.

Power of Wings

The young American White pelicans stretch their wings like sails not yet caught by wind. There is a certain clumsiness in their flapping, but also beauty — a quiet rehearsal for the soaring life ahead. 

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. Never Tired, Never Bored

 

If someone asked me, “Don’t you ever get tired of photographing mostly American White pelicans every time you come to Bear River?”  I would answer without hesitation: absolutely not. 

How could I possibly tire of such an incredible opportunity—to watch these young birds grow, gradually becoming more and more like their parents with each passing month, transforming into serious, intelligent graceful creatures?

I believe I’ve explained it all quite thoroughly. To whom, you ask? To myself, of course!

Generally, life is good.

In Flight

An American White Pelican glides effortlessly over green fields.

Generally, life is good.

Young American White Pelicans

 

When you're trying to explain something to your friends and they're just not getting it.

Generally, life is good.

Sword Fighting

American White Pelicans do not have dramatic fights but they do occasionally have  disagreements over the food, nesting sites or mates.

The two Pelicans above started argument for reasons unknown to me but it ended quickly. 

Birds snapped their bills at each other and even engaged in a "sword fighting". One of Pelicans spread its wings to look bigger and more threatening.  

But the argument didn't last long, one of the fighters decided to take a nap, and the other opened its beak wide and yawned. The "sword fighting" was over.

Generally, life is good.

A Pair of American White Pelicans is Landing

 

When a pair of American White pelicans lands, it is always a spectacular sight. Like top-class pilots, they land on the water in sync and with skill.

Generally, life is good.

On the Wings

 

American White Pelicans.

White-faced Ibis.

Running Western Grebe.

American White Pelican.

Generally, life is good.

On the Wings. Landing is Never Graceful

There is a saying that you can't step into the same river twice.  When last week I saw again the squadron of pelicans flying towards me again I felt like I had stepped into the same river twice.

The pelicans smoothly approach the water, they are graceful for now.

The leading pelican is ready to land, its wings spread wide and its legs stretched forward.

And then follows the impact with the water, with lots of splashes. It is always a perfectly calculated and thoughtful landing.

Generally, life is good.