American white pelicans at sunrise

Unlike brown pelicans, American white pelicans don’t dive for fish — they feed cooperatively, swimming in a loose line or circle to herd fish into the shallows where the whole group can scoop them up together.

Why it matters

Bear River is one of the largest staging areas for white pelicans on the Pacific Flyway; thousands pass through during migration.

Getting the shot

Waited for the group to drift into the low morning light, which turned their bills and the water around them gold.