Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 150 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 39 mm | 59 mm | 26 mm | 20 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 79 mm | 119 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 118 mm | 178 mm | 79 mm | 59 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 157 mm | 237 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 236 mm | 356 mm | 157 mm | 118 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 393 mm | 593 mm | 262 mm | 196 mm |
About the Brown Pelican#
The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of only two that feeds by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Pelicans glide low over waves — pan steadily at 1/2000 s.
- Bright sand and surf fool meters — dial in exposure manually or with auto-ISO and compensation.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Pelicans#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Brown Pelican?
At about 150 cm long, a brown pelican fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 79 mm, or at 20 m with 157 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Brown Pelican?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Brown Pelican?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September and December. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources