Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/ # When Is the Best Time for Dalmatian Pelican Photography? Published on January 23, 2026 [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 20](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-20-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-20.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Alison Jenkins](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/alison/). Few wildlife photography subjects combine scale, elegance, & character quite like the Dalmatian Pelican. With their immense wingspan, expressive eyes, & striking winter plumage, these birds offer distinctive photographic opportunities – but only for those visiting at the right time. This guide covers, we will explore **when the best time for Dalmatian pelican photography really is**, why timing matters so much, & how Lake Kerkini in northern Greece has become one of [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/)’s most reliable & rewarding locations for photographing this notable species. Drawing on years of field experience, behaviour-led photography, & feedback from photographers who have joined our Dalmatian [Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) photography holidays, this article will help you plan your trip with confidence. [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 13](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-13.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-13.jpg) ## Why Timing Matters in Dalmatian Pelican Photography? Dalmatian pelicans are not equally photogenic throughout the year. Their appearance, behaviour, & accessibility change dramatically with the seasons, meaning that visiting at the wrong time can result in fewer birds, duller plumage, & limited photographic opportunities. For wildlife photographers, the goal is not simply to *see* pelicans, but to photograph them at their most expressive – when behaviour, light, & setting come together. This is where Lake Kerkini stands apart. [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 14](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-14.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-14.jpg) ## Lake Kerkini – Europe’s Premier Dalmatian Pelican Photography Location Situated in northern Greece, **Lake Kerkini**, has become internationally recognised as one of the finest locations for Dalmatian pelican photography. Unlike many wetlands where pelicans remain distant or unpredictable, Kerkini offers: - Reliable winter concentrations of Dalmatian pelicans - Close, calm encounters from boats & shoreline - Clean backgrounds & reflective water - Low winter light ideal for photography These conditions are precisely why our [Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/) wildlife photography holidays include dedicated winter trips focused entirely on pelicans. ## Best Months for Dalmatian Pelican Photography ### January to February – The Prime Photography Window Without question, **January & February are the best time for Dalmatian pelican photography** at Lake Kerkini. During this period: - Large numbers of pelicans congregate on the lake - Adults display vivid breeding-season features - Feeding behaviour is frequent & predictable - Winter light remains soft throughout the day It is during these months that pelicans develop their most striking features – including the deep orange-red gular pouch & curly head feathers that add colour, texture, & drama to images. This is why all of our dedicated pelican photography holidays are scheduled in mid-winter, rather than spring or autumn. [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 01](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-01.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-01.jpg) ### Early March – A Transitional Option Early March can still offer good pelican photography, but conditions become more variable. Some birds begin to disperse, & the most intense breeding colours may start to fade. While March can still deliver strong images in the right conditions, photographers seeking peak behaviour & plumage will generally find January & February more reliable. ## Why Winter Light Makes Such a Difference? Winter is not just about the birds – it’s about the light. At Lake Kerkini, the low winter sun creates: - Long, directional shadows - Soft contrast even late in the morning - Warm tones at sunrise & sunset - Excellent conditions for flight & action photography Because the sun remains low, photographers are not forced to stop photographing mid-day. This allows far more time in the field – a core principle behind how NaturesLens designs photography holidays. ## Behavioural Photography – What You’ll Capture in Winter Winter is also when [Dalmatian pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/) are most engaging to photograph from a behavioural perspective. On our Kerkini trips, photographers regularly capture: - Feeding interactions & cooperative fishing - Low-level flight & water landings - Preening, calling, & social behaviour - Environmental portraits in mist & soft light Because time in the field is prioritised over rigid schedules, we stay with behaviour as it develops – rather than moving on once a checklist has been ticked. This flexible, photography-first approach is frequently highlighted in feedback from photographers who have joined our pelican trips. [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 03](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-03.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-03.jpg) ## What Photographers Say About the Kerkini Pelican Trips? Feedback from photographers who have joined our [Dalmatian Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/) photography holidays consistently reinforces the importance of timing, local knowledge, & unhurried time in the field. One Trustpilot reviewer wrote: > “Another great trip with NaturesLens, this time for the Dalmatian Pelicans at Lake Kerkini in [northern Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/). Looked after very well throughout, with excellent access to the birds & superb opportunities for photography.” Another photographer described the experience as: > “Well planned, well organised, & a very friendly atmosphere. The pelicans were notable, & the guidance helped me come away with images I’d never managed before.” You can read more independent reviews on our [Trustpilot page](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/natureslens.co.uk), including multiple reviews specifically referencing [Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/) & Dalmatian pelican photography. ## Boat-Based Photography – Getting the Best Angles One of the defining features of Dalmatian pelican photography at Lake Kerkini is the opportunity to work from small boats. Boat-based photography allows: - Eye-level perspectives with pelicans on the water - Cleaner backgrounds with fewer visual distractions - Closer proximity without disturbing the birds This approach is a key reason why Kerkini consistently outperforms many other European pelican locations from a photographic standpoint. Learn more about how we work in the field on our [why travel with NaturesLens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/travel-with-natureslens/) page. [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 02](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-02.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-02.jpg) ## Is Spring a Good Time for Dalmatian Pelican Photography? Spring brings a wider variety of birdlife to Lake Kerkini, but it is generally **not the best season for Dalmatian pelican photography**. As temperatures rise: - Pelicans begin to disperse - Breeding colours fade - Behaviour becomes less concentrated For photographers whose primary goal is Dalmatian pelicans, winter remains the clear choice. ## Summary – When Should You Go? If your goal is to photograph Dalmatian pelicans at their most impressive, the answer is clear. **The best time for Dalmatian pelican photography is January & February at Lake Kerkini.** These months offer the strongest combination of: - Bird numbers - Breeding-season plumage - Engaging behaviour - Soft, workable light [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 04](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-04.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-04.jpg) Combined with a photography-first itinerary, small groups, single-occupancy accommodation, & time in the field that responds to conditions rather than the clock, this timing consistently delivers exceptional results. If you’re considering photographing Dalmatian [pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) yourself, explore our upcoming Lake [Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/) photography holidays, or browse our wider range of wildlife photography holidays worldwide. ## Photography Galleries from our Dalmatian Pelican Photography Holidays These galleries showcase imagery closely connected to the locations & experiences featured during our Dalmatian [Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) Photography Holidays. - [Alison Jenkins – Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini – 2023](https://natureslens.co.uk/gallery/alison-jenkins-dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2023/) - [Pui Hang Miles – Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans – 2023](https://natureslens.co.uk/gallery/lake-kerkinis-pelicans-pui-hang-miles-2023/) - [Simon Jenkins – Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans – 2023](https://natureslens.co.uk/gallery/lake-kerkinis-pelicans-simon-jenkins-2023/) ### Related Dalmatian Pelican Photography Holidays If you're interested in Dalmatian Pelican photography, the following list of our upcoming photography holidays may be of interest. - [Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) - January [2027](https://natureslens.co.uk/during/2027/) - [Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) - January 2027 ## Share this post - - - - [![One Of The Bald Eagles Stalls To Land On One Of The Beaches Found In Kachemak Bay Photographed During The Natureslens Sea Otters Bald Eagles Of Alaska Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/One-of-the-Bald-Eagles-stalls-to-land-on-one-of-the-beaches-found-in-Kachemak-Bay-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Sea-Otters-Bald-Eagles-of-Alaska-photography-holiday-300x225.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/02/bald-eagles/) ### [A focus on the Bald Eagles of Alaska](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/02/bald-eagles/) April 2, 2024 Discover the majestic Bald Eagles of Alaska in this captivating blog post. Learn about their habitat, behaviour, & conservation. - [![A Photograph From Alison Jenkins Which Demonstrates The Magic Of Dalmatian Pelican Photography 19](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-19-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/01/09/ethical-photography-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) ### [Ethical Photography – Respecting the Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/01/09/ethical-photography-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) January 9, 2024 In this article, we will shed light on the importance of good ethics when photographing the pelicans of Lake Kerkini,… In this article 1. [Why Timing Matters in Dalmatian Pelican Photography?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#why-timing-matters-in-dalmatian-pelican-photography) 1. [Lake Kerkini - Europe's Premier Dalmatian Pelican Photography Location](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#lake-kerkini-europes-premier-dalmatian-pelican-photography-location) 1. [Best Months for Dalmatian Pelican Photography](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#best-months-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography) 1. [January to February - The Prime Photography Window](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#january-to-february-the-prime-photography-window) 1. [Early March - A Transitional Option](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#early-march-a-transitional-option) 1. [Why Winter Light Makes Such a Difference?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#why-winter-light-makes-such-a-difference) 1. [Behavioural Photography - What You'll Capture in Winter](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#behavioural-photography-what-youll-capture-in-winter) 1. [What Photographers Say About the Kerkini Pelican Trips?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#what-photographers-say-about-the-kerkini-pelican-trips) 1. [Boat-Based Photography - Getting the Best Angles](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#boat-based-photography-getting-the-best-angles) 1. [Is Spring a Good Time for Dalmatian Pelican Photography?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#is-spring-a-good-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography) 1. [Summary - When Should You Go?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/23/best-time-for-dalmatian-pelican-photography/#summary-when-should-you-go) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![A Focus On The Bald Eagles Of Alaska](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/One-of-the-Bald-Eagles-stalls-to-land-on-one-of-the-beaches-found-in-Kachemak-Bay-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Sea-Otters-Bald-Eagles-of-Alaska-photography-holiday-150x150.jpg) **A focus on the Bald Eagles of Alaska**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/04/02/bald-eagles/) [![Ethical Photography – Respecting The Pelicans Of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a-photograph-from-alison-jenkins-which-demonstrates-the-magic-of-dalmatian-pelican-photography-19-150x150.jpg) **Ethical Photography – Respecting the Pelicans of Lake Kerkini**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/01/09/ethical-photography-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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