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@kortduce.bsky.social Sep 12, 2026, 8:33 PM

An American white pelican relaxes and preens at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdofTheDay #BirdslnAbstract #bird #birdphotography #ECK #birds #birdwatching #birdsofbluesky #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wetland #wetlands #pelican #pelicans

Photo by Kort Duce

An American white pelican relaxes and preens at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

In this vertical color photograph, a pelican is perched on a log extending from the water, its back toward the camera and its tail feathers obscuring most of its legs and feet. Reflected in the blue water beneath the brilliant blue sky is the pelican’s entire body and head, creating an almost mirror-like double image.

I photographed thousands of frames to capture and ultimately cull for the sharpest reflection. It was a challenging process because the water was constantly undulating, continuously changing the focus, clarity, and appearance of the reflection. A very slight movement in the water remains visible, giving the reflection a subtle sense of motion.

The pelican holds its neck gracefully upright with its bill pointed downward. A small specular highlight in its eye brings the bird to life and draws the viewer into the otherwise quiet scene.

A beautiful, quiet, and artistic moment of an American white pelican relaxing on a perch in a wetland habitat so vital to its existence.

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