Pelican taking flight over water | Kataloop Stock Photo

Name: Pelican taking flight over water
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

Pelican taking flight over water

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more

How does the brown pelican take off from the water surface?

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) uses powerful downstrokes of its large wings, spanning up to 2.3 meters, to push off the water. Its webbed feet provide an initial thrust against the surface. The whole sequence takes only a fraction of a second, generating the characteristic water splash visible at liftoff.

How can this photo be used?

At nearly 8000 x 5300 pixels, this stock photo supports large-format print, exhibition use, and advertising campaigns as well as digital channels. The commercial license on Kataloop permits use in, for example, nature magazines, Caribbean travel campaigns, environmental organizations, and ornithology educational materials. Social media teams and documentary projects also benefit from the image's sharp detail and resolution.

What mood does this photo convey?

The water splash to the left makes the takeoff moment tangible, showing exactly where the bird was moments before. The brown pelican with fully spread wings and a forward-focused gaze conveys concentration and directed energy without drama. The even blue water in the background keeps the scene calm and lets the subject read clearly against an uncluttered backdrop.

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

This pelican takeoff was captured with the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1) and the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. The 50-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers a resolution of 7963 x 5309 pixels, capturing fine feather detail, water droplets, and the bird's talons with precision. The GM telephoto zoom enables accurate tracking of fast-moving wildlife subjects at distance.

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Wildlife photography with a documentary quality is increasingly sought after by conservation organizations, travel brands, and educational platforms. Authentic images of animals in natural behavior, like this pelican mid-takeoff, are steadily replacing staged wildlife visuals. Interest in biodiversity and coastal ecosystems as socially relevant topics also drives demand for this type of content.

What is Holbox known for?

Holbox is a car-free island in northern Yucatán, Mexico, known for its shallow turquoise lagoons and exceptional wildlife. This shot of a brown pelican lifting off was taken in that very environment. The island is a protected natural reserve attracting birdwatchers and nature photographers worldwide, drawn by species including pelicans, flamingos, and frigatebirds living undisturbed in their coastal habitat.

Stock media of Holbox

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