Pelicans stop over in Iowa. Photos by Bob Kelly

Every spring pelicans stop over for several weeks in Iowa, until it gets too hot for them. They love sandbars on rivers or lakes.  These photos were taken on Friday, May 9, 2014, below the Des Moines River dam, near Fraser, Iowa.  There was a flock of about 200 pelicans enjoying the water, the sand bars, and the fish!

Hangin out on the sand bar.

"There goes the three stooges!" 

 "Hmmm....go ahead big bird, land here."

 The flock gossip is second from the left!

 Incoming!

 Gliding up into the blue.

 Two depart to go fishing.

  "See how I walk on water, before I am airborne!"

 Up and away!

 Slowly gaining altitude.

  "What you looking at birdie???"

 Cruisin down the river.....on a Friday afternoon!

 The flock sentry keeps an eye on things.

 "I love thinking this river is all mine!"

 "See my distinctive black feathers when I rise up like this. 

Don't laugh, this took lots of practice!"

 Fishing below the dam.

 "OK, everyone ready....dive!"

 "Here fishy, fishy!"

 "This looks like fun, think I will drop in and join ya!"

"Look what I can do!!"