It was low tide and this was one of about 1,000 Brown Pelicans that were feasting on small, herring sized fish that were caught in the shallows. Brown Pelican facts: "While the Brown Pelican is draining the water from its bill after a dive, gulls often try to steal the fish right out of its pouch. They sometimes even perch on the pelican's head or back and reach in. The pelican itself, however, is not above stealing fish from other seabirds. It also follows fishing boats and hangs around piers for handouts." ~ All About Birds