Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-pelican/ Species photography guide # Brown Pelican Photography Holidays *Pelecanus occidentalis* Explore our Brown Pelican photography holidays in the [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/), timed so photographers have strong chances to work with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-pelican/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-pelican/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-pelican/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-pelican/#nl-species-related) ![Brown Pelican photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/One-of-Californias-Brown-Pelicans-standing-on-coastal-rock-1024x768.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Wherethe [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Brown Pelican is the smallest of the pelican species & is the only one that dives from height into the water to catch fish. It is characterised by its large bill with a distinctive expandable throat pouch, used to scoop prey from the sea. Found along coastal North & South America, it has a brown & grey plumage with a white & yellow head during breeding season. **Habitat** The Brown Pelican inhabits warm coastal marine environments including sea coasts, bays, estuaries & offshore islands. It nests colonially on isolated coastal islands & mangrove areas, rarely venturing far inland or into freshwater habitats. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_pelican) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Brown Pelican with us in the [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/). These departures are part of our [North America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Early morning & late afternoon light year-round offers the best conditions, though breeding season from March to July provides the most striking plumage colouration. Coastal locations in Florida, California & the Gulf of Mexico offer reliable sightings throughout the year. **Approach** Position yourself at low tide near fishing piers or jetties where pelicans regularly congregate, allowing for eye-level shots that create compelling compositions. Capture the dramatic plunge-diving behaviour by using a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the moment of impact with the water. Shoot during the golden hour when warm light enhances the rich brown tones of the plumage & adds a pleasing catchlight to the eye. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Bottlenose Dolphin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bottlenose-dolphin/)[California Sea Lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/california-sea-lion/)[Common Dolphin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-dolphin/)[Grey Whale](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/grey-whale/)[Harbour Seal](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/harbour-seal/)[Humpback Whale](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/humpback-whale/)[Pelagic Cormorant](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/pelagic-cormorant/)[Western Gull](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/western-gull/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Brown Pelican The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Brown Pelican in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Californian Pelicans & Whales](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/One-of-Californias-Brown-Pelicans-standing-on-coastal-rock-1024x768.jpg) #### Related holiday Californian Pelicans & Whales gives guests time in the United States where Brown Pelican can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/californian-pelicans-whales/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Brown Pelican is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Brown Pelican in the United States. During our photography holidays, the Brown Pelican is often photographed alongside Bottlenose Dolphin, California Sea Lion, Common Dolphin, Grey Whale, Harbour Seal, & Humpback Whale. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Maximum 6 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Californian Pelicans & Whales Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/One-of-Californias-Brown-Pelicans-standing-on-coastal-rock-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/californian-pelicans-whales/) ### 14th - 21st Feb 2029 - Californian Pelicans & Whales **Location:** the United States Photograph Brown Pelicans in flight from coastal cliffs & capture eye-level harbour seal portraits alongside offshore whale encounters around San Diego with David during February 2029 **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£5499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Californian Pelicans & Whales](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/californian-pelicans-whales/) -