Pelican or Skimmer?

[Sabyasachi Patra]

This one is from my weekend workshop, about 100kms from Chennai in India.

I had never seen a Pelican try this before. This fellow was landing in water, touched down and immediately took off at the sight of a fish. A couple of hops and it took a jab, flew and landed some distance ahead. This image was when its beak is about to touch water like a skimmer.

Canon EOs 1D Mark II, Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM, EF 1.4xII, ISO 400, f7.1, 1/2000, EV: -1/3, Aperture priority, 45 point AF.

I cropped the image a little bit from the top and side to emphasise more on the pelican. I had earlier removed the 2xII TC as I was clipping the outstretched wings while landing. The time was 11 am in the morning, and the light was not to my liking. Look forward to your comments.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Trey Barron]

Interesting behavior. I would like to see the bird a little farther back in the frame and the light is too harsh. Also the head could have more detail.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very interesting behavior captured. The light looks quite harsh and I think it needs a bit CCW rotation. Thanks for sharing!

[Ken Watkins]

This behaviour looks far to energetic for a Pelican. A very interesting capture.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Does this repost work?

I had difficulties in processing. The file looks better when viewed at 100% size as the eye is correctly in focus.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi