Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/ Species photography guide # Dalmatian Pelican Photography Holidays *Pelecanus crispus* Explore our Dalmatian Pelican photography holidays in [Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/), including [Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/lake-kerkini/) & [Akritochori](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/akritochori/), planned to give photographers proper time with this species during the breeding season offers the most visually striking plumage and social behaviour.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/dalmatian-pelican/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/#nl-species-related) ![Dalmatian Pelican photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg) ## At a glance Trips4 associated holidays Where[Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/) Led by[Alison Jenkins](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/alison/) Species profile ## About this species The Dalmatian Pelican is the largest of all pelican species & one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan reaching up to 3.5 metres. It is distinguished by its curly nape feathers, silvery-white plumage, & striking orange-red pouch during the breeding season. Found across central Eurasia, it favours large freshwater lakes, rivers, & deltas where fish are abundant. **Habitat** Large freshwater lakes, river deltas, estuaries, & sheltered coastal lagoons across central & southeastern Europe through to central Asia, often nesting in dense reed beds or on isolated islands. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalmatian_pelican) ## Further reading This guide gives more background on the place, wildlife and photographic conditions connected with this page. - [Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/spotlight/lake-kerkini/)Related background reading Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Dalmatian Pelican with us in [Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/). These departures are part of our [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) programme. In the field, [Alison Jenkins](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/alison/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Late winter to early spring during the breeding season offers the most visually striking plumage & social behaviour. Early morning light provides warm tones & calm water surfaces ideal for reflection shots. **Approach** Position yourself low to the water to capture dramatic reflections & emphasise the bird's impressive size against its aquatic habitat. Focus on the breeding season when the vivid orange-red pouch & curly crest feathers provide striking colour & texture for close portrait shots. Use a long telephoto lens of at least 500mm to avoid disturbing nesting colonies & to achieve frame-filling images from a respectful distance. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Common Crane](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-crane/)[Great White Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-white-pelican/)[Pink-backed Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/pink-backed-pelican/)[Pygmy Cormorant](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/pygmy-cormorant/)[White Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-pelican/)[White-tailed Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-tailed-eagle/)[Whooper Swan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/whooper-swan/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Dalmatian 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 Alison Jenkins leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Dalmatian Pelican in the field. [Meet Alison](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/alison/) ![Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg) #### Related holiday Pelicans of Lake Kerkini gives guests time in Greece where Dalmatian Pelican can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian Pelican in Greece. During our photography holidays, the Dalmatian Pelican is often photographed alongside Common Crane, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, White Pelican, & White-tailed Eagle. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Photography themes commonly associated with this species include both dalmatian & white pelicans feature as subjects, capturing images of dalmatian pelicans, dalmatian pelicans, dalmatian pelicans of lake kerkini in january, pelicans, & pelicans during a photography tour based near lake kerkini. Single occupancy Maximum 7 guests Experienced guidance 4 departures - [![Join Us For The Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) Full ### 8th - 12th Jan 2027 - Pelicans of Lake Kerkini **Location:** Greece Join us for a short-format wildlife photography holiday in Greece, during January 2027, focused on Winter pelicans with close access for frame-filling images. **4 nights** w. **Single occupancy** - **Full** Guided By **Alison Jenkins** [View Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) - [![Join Us For The Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) Full ### 12th - 16th Jan 2027 - Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini **Location:** Greece Join us in Greece for a photography holiday on Lake Kerkini, during January 2027, focused on capturing portraits of the Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini at eye level. **4 nights** w. **Single occupancy** - **Full** Guided By **Alison Jenkins** [View Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-2027/) - [![Join Us For The Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) Launch Offer ### 7th - 11th Jan 2028 - Pelicans of Lake Kerkini **Location:** Greece Join us for a short-format wildlife photography holiday in Greece, during January 2028, focused on Winter pelicans with close access for frame-filling images. **4 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £1699 Now: £1599** Guided By **Alison Jenkins** [View Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) - [![Join Us For The Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) Special Offer ### 11th - 15th Jan 2028 - Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini **Location:** Greece Join us in Greece for a photography holiday on Lake Kerkini, during January 2028, focused on capturing portraits of the Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini at eye level. **4 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £1699 Now: £1599** Guided By **Alison Jenkins** [View Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/greece/dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini/) -