I have had this fascination with Brown Pelicans for years. Most of all, I wanted to see them fishing, as I believe they are among the least aerodynamically designed birds. I finally got my chance on New Years Day, 2019. I was in Santa Cruz, California and had three hours to spend out on the SC Wharf. The sun angle was pretty challenging, but as the afternoon progressed, I started to get some opportunities to observe the birds without back lighting. There was a run of Anchovies around the pier, so that is what drew the birds in.

I love the birds "graceful" approach to the dive:

My favorite part is just as the beak touches the water: They then dive into the water with enough force to capture fish several feet below the surface:  Once they surface, they have to battle off the scavenging gulls. They then can enjoy their reward: I had to tear myself away after spending three hours with these guys. I hope to get back another time, and hope I am lucky enough to arrive when there is a run on anchovies.