Brown Pelican, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

Bird Quiz: What Is This? | May 2016

Try this bird quiz.


Brown Pelican, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in post: Bird Quiz: What Is This

Brown Pelican


Bird Quiz: What is this bird doing?

First, you can tell it’s a bird – a Brown Pelican.

And the Brown Pelican was napping until it opened its eyes.

Here, the bird had turned its head 180 degrees to rest its bill on its back. Many birds will do that.

So this is a photo of a Brown Pelican taken from behind the bird.

I suppose if you had a large, heavy bill, resting this way would be comfortable.

This is another example of how birds adapt to their environment, which includes even to themselves.

Here’s another view (taken on a sunny day) that shows more:


Brown Pelican, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

Brown Pelican


Much success,

Steve Kaye

See more photos of bird behavior at:

Gular Fluttering Is for the Birds

Winter Tribute

Uncommon Hummingbird Photos

Feathers Make the Goose

This Bird Lives Like a Farmer


Help Birds Tip

Put Easter Grass in a closed trash container.

Why: Birds mistake plastic Easter Grass for nest material. Then their feet end up tangled in this junk, thereby trapping (and sadly, killing) them in their nest.


Birding Resources

Both photos were taken in La Jolla, CA, at Goldfish Point. See Map

Learn about birds in San Diego: San Diego Audubon


Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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4 Comments
  • Bob Franz
    Posted at 14:52h, 24 March

    That’s one strange-looking bird, but if it rests its head backwards like a Brown Pelican and and if Steve Kaye identifies it is a Brown Pelican —.

  • Kathryn Grace
    Posted at 15:41h, 24 March

    We once stayed at a hotel in Pismo Beach, right on the ocean. I believe it was called Pelican Cove, and aptly named. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of pelicans lightened our days there. Such fun. But you said there was a quiz? I didn’t see it. Perhaps I’m missing it somehow.

    Thank you for the tips about plastic Easter grass. I use a shredded paper version made by a company that uses recycled paper for their Easter “grass.” But I have family members who still buy the plastic stuff so I’ll pass this along.

  • Penny Schafer
    Posted at 16:57h, 24 March

    Thanks for that Bird Tip – We don’t have kids, and no plastic basket grass in this house anyway but I will add that to my FB feed, good reminder. Thanks!

  • Nancy
    Posted at 07:48h, 26 March

    Anyone who doubts these guys are descended from dinosaurs, this is proof!

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