Local Fish Divers

There has been a lot of coastal fishing going on lately.   Jim Kenney, Pacific Palisades resident, photographer and SMBAS member captured some of this activity.

Offshore Brown Pelican flock on 10/3/13 Palisadian-Post
(Jim Kenney photographer)

The gathering of seabirds in Santa Monica Bay went on for many weeks.  Frequently commented on within the local birding community, it also made it into the local press.

Meanwhile, activity in Malibu Lagoon had picked up.

Brown Pelicans diving in Lagoon west channel
(J. Kenney 10/14/13)

Despite comments on the lagoon’s green algae to the contrary, underwater films (on EcoMalibu) have documented the active life under the water’s surface.  The Brown Pelicans have independently discovered this fact.  Their preferred prey are probably the large Mullet.

Jim Kenney reported: “One of these [pelicans] had a blue tag labeled P06.  I sent it to Bird Rescue.”

Jay Holcomb of International Bird Rescue reported back:  “P06 was rehabbed at our Northern California center and released on November 2, 2012 in Sausalito (under the Golden Gate Bridge) after being treated for fishing tackle injuries.  Looks like its doing well.  Thanks again!”
Things can get pretty testy when two of them spot the same fish.

Brown Pelicans dive lagoon’s west channel (J. Kenney 10/14/13)

They’re not the only ones finding food in the west channel. Fish too small for pelicans to bother with can be just right for an Eared Grebe.

Eared Grebe in Malibu Lagoon west channel with fish
(J. Kenney 10/19/13)

Thanks, as always, to ace photographer Jim Kenney.
[Chuck Almdale]