American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

A single bird soared gracefully overhead, but did not land in the pond. Note broken tips to outer primaries. This is an adult starting to grow a fibrous plate on its upper mandible which both sexes get during breeding season. Note also that the bill is starting to turn red. They are migrants and winter visitors here breeding on remote islands on inland lakes to the north. This species is one of the largest and heaviest of North American birds. Although weights of up to 30 lbs. have been claimed they usually max out at a bit under 20 lbs. Contrary to popular opinion, they never carry food in their pouches.