These brown pelicans are in various stages of the progression from dull winter plumage to the bright breeding coloration (close-ups here; flight pictures here; fishing pictures here). All are adult birds, photographed at Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, California.

• Canon 10D or 1D Mk. II, 500 mm IS lens with 1.4X converter, some with fill-in flash (2004, 2006)