Along the Mississippi, part 2: Pelicans!

I had never seen white pelicans before.  They are awkward-looking, but so graceful in the air.  And they're huge.  

Along the Mississippi, part 1

One of my favorite things in winter is to head to the Mississippi River to photograph bald eagles. They are fierce birds, enormous, powerful, graceful and gorgeous.  And with a big lens, several layers of clothes, a car full of snacks, and lots of patience, the photography is a blast.  These images were shot along the Lock and Dam systems at LeClaire, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois.