While observing this one specific group of pelicans I found a group ofthree I stayed with for a long time. This is taken of the same group ofpelicans as in "Stages of Life". Just directly afterward. This is alsothe same male as featured in Pelican Ballet & the youngster on theleft is also the same immature/juvenile as in those shots. At thispoint the immature/juvenile had gotten bored with the male's actions.But he's still at it, if it's aimed at the mature female in thebackground or not ...... I don't know. The male is sporting "breeding"colors & it's the right season for that kind of behavior.

So the question is..... Is he just playing or is he "displaying" abreeding behavior. For the sake of the argument I call this series"Pelican Neck Calisthenics or ......."

OK, on FM, FredMiranda.com, I've just been taught by OceanLight thatthis is a specific behavior & this is it and I quote....

"When the pelican is rubbing its head against its back like that, it ispreening. It is spreading preen oil, from the uropygial gland near thebase of the tail feathers, on its head and neck. A different behaviorthan the head throw which stretches the throat pouch and keeps itflexible."

Very interesting I think.....