It must be winter.
The back of the pelican's neck turns chestnut brown during summer breeding. One of Florida's largest birds, pelicans have a wingspan of up to 7 feet.
The photo above was taken on a Carefree Learner boat cruise in Sarasota Bay. Pelicans and other sea birds congregate on several small, protected islands especially during winter, (The islands are labeled as "Bird Islands" on the map below.)
Have a hands on learning experience about the critters of the Bay and views of nesting bird life on board the Carefree Learner leave from Bayfront Park . The Carefree Learner is docked next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle. All trips are on Tuesdays, from 1 to 3 pm.
Members $12, non-members $18.
Make reservations early. For reservations on charters from Jan.25 to Mar.1, call Joan at (941) 378-4670. For charters from Mar.15 to May 3, call Bobby at (941) 927-3409.