Photographer: Carlos Aguilera
Code: PBC503607
DESCRIPTION
The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the smallest among the 8 species belonging to the Pelecanus genus. It weighs up to 5 kilograms and has a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. It fishes by diving from heights of up to 15 meters, reaching speeds of over 50 km/h in descent. Immediately upon entering the water, it opens its mouth and its throat pouch, which acts like a "net," trapping prey of considerable size. The female lays eggs in a nest made of branches on the ground. Its flight is characterized by flapping wings interspersed with moments of equal duration, during which it rests by gliding over the water's surface on the cushion of air created by its own wings.
On the coasts of Baja California, Pelicans demonstrate their unique ability to glide through the waves with elegance. The moving waves blend with the blue sky, creating a spectacular backdrop for this natural performance. Not only masters of the art of flight, Pelicans reveal astonishing fishing skills and are known for their unique way of hunting for food. Above the water with outstretched wings, when they spot prey, they swiftly dive to capture it with their beak.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlos Aguilera is a photographer from Los Montesinos (Alicante). He studied Audiovisual Communication and the Master in Art Production and Research at the University of Granada. In 2019 he received the FRAGMENTOS grant awarded by the Unió de Periodistes Valencians to develop his work “Educandos de Benejúzar”. He has participated in several exhibitions, among others: Un cierto panorama, reciente fotografía de autor en España at Sala Canal (2017), La General within the TEST festival (2017), The start of a very bad day within the FACBA festival (2017) or Ciudad Elegida within Photo Alicante (2015). His work has been published in different exhibition catalogues and within the Cuadernos Valencianos collection edited by Ricardo Cases and Pablo Casino.