While observing this one specific group of pelicans I found a group of three I stayed with for a long time. This is taken of the same group of pelicans as in "Stages of Life". Just directly afterward. This is also the same male as featured in Pelican Ballet & the youngster on the left is also the same immature/juvenile as in those shots. At this point the immature/juvenile had gotten bored with the male's actions. But he's still at it, and now the female's has left the scene with only the immature/juvenile & another adult male in the background. The male is sporting "breeding" colors & it's the right season for that kind of behavior.

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

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

I find this very interesting....