Pelicans, Pelicans, Pelicans

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge re-opened last weekend after being closed for almost two months.  The closure was in reaction to the floods in may caused by multiple dams failing during a weekend of heavy rains.  Or was that the Johnstown flood?  Anyway, lots of rain, mis-managed dams and a lot of down stream damage in both cases.
I couldn't get out last weekend due to the paying job.  And this weekend was a toss up between a horse event and the Refuge.  The weather was the decision maker.  I elected to stay in the truck.
And I haven't been to the Refuge after a good heavy rain and storm.
The storm, I believe definitely had an effect on the bird behavior.
There is a lot of water in the Refuge.  The flooding accelerated the filling of the area.  A lot of the wildlife used to come close to the drive, now not as much.  Have to up the game a little.
Saw a new bird, will be another post.
Saw a few Sand Hill Cranes close to the drive and the pictures came out well.  Nothing in flight, but good grazing shots.
But the Pelicans were out.  Not flying, just huddled together.  I've seen them collected in a group before, but a bit more loosely.  I'm wondering if this is a post storm meeting?

Pelican Mass

NIKON D500 Ver.1.20/200.0-500.0 mm f/5.6

750 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 180 (AUTO)

MANUAL Mode, Size DX

I like this shot a lot.  Blues and greens are separated.  The water is just right, not blown out or too blue.  And none of the subjects are acting up for the camera.  Interesting.