There’s something intriguing about the California Brown Pelican – a majestic bird that embodies resilience, grace, and a touch of prehistoric mystery. This is why I’ve not only photographed this magnificent creature at several locations in Southern California (though I am definitely not a birdie) but also immortalized it in ink as a tattoo.

Watching a brown pelican in flight is like witnessing art in motion. I’ve been out surfing at dawn in Santa Monica and seen them glide effortlessly with their massive wingspans just above the ocean’s surface, their aerodynamic bodies lit by California’s morning light.

It’s a dance of precision and power as they dive headfirst into the waves, emerging triumphantly with their catch.

When I captured the image above, it wasn’t just about honing in on the perfect composition – it was about freezing a moment that symbolizes freedom and adaptability.