iN PHOTOS: Pelicans pause migration to play and eat on Interior lakes

It seems American White Pelicans draw attention with their unique and oddly archaic appearance every year as they stop to fish in BC Interior lakes in the late summers on route to southern regions.

Some area photographers got some great captures of the birds although often through a haze of wildfire smoke.

"I saw three pelicans from a distance which was very exciting," said Kamloops wildlife photographer Taylor Borth. She captured them on Kamloops Lake recently. "As I was slowly making my approach through the tall marshy grass, I started to notice several large flocks of pelicans flying in. This allowed me to get some pretty awesome flying shots. Before I knew it, there was close to 50 or more pelicans all gathered together on the pond, repeatedly dipping their large beaks in the water, presumably feeding on something."

Pelicans are one of the world’s largest birds with with huge bills and distinctive pouches they use to scoop up a wide variety of fish, which is their primary diet, according to American Oceans. The big birds are agile for their size, enabling them to catch prey much smaller than themselves. Once they've caught a fish, they drain the water from their pouches and swallow it whole. There are two species of pelicans in the province, the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican which is not as common. They migrate north and south across North America in spring and fall and are currently preparing to go south to winter anywhere between Texas and Central America.

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. , Pelicans make a landing on the surface of a lake in Kamloops. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Stephen James

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. , Pelicans soar through smoky skies, Kamloops. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Taylor Borth

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. , This flock of pelicans are landing on Kamloops Lake. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Taylor Borth

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. , An American White Pelican stretches its wings on a lake in the Shuswap. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Sherri Mitchell

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Sherri Mitchell

These American White Pelicans are seen through wildfire smoke on a lake in the Shuswap. , American White Pelicans float peacefully on lake in Vernon. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Shane Cox

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.