At Long Reef in Collaroy, a fisherman was washing out his bucket. Three pelicans followed in his footsteps, hoping for some tasty morsels to fall.

The birds weren’t too worried when I approached to take some photos.

Cosying up to a pair of sandals that someone left on the beach:

With a Silver Gull, giving some idea of scale:

Three pelicans, three poses:

Surf as a backdrop:

A moody shot of fisherman and bird:

Common name: Australian Pelican
Scientific name: Pelecanus conspicillatus
Approximate length: 170 cm
Approximate wingspan: 2.5m
Date spotted: 19 June 2024 (winter)
Location: Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Collaroy, New South Wales, Australia: 33°44’19.7″S 151°18’42.0″E