I saw a pair of cranes at our local lake about a week ago.  I did not have my camera and so I went back looking for them today. 

I did not find them, but we did find these odd looking white birds.  I thought they looked like a pelican with a fish in it's mouth.  Then we saw the photos and realized that their beaks have bumps on them.

After doing some research; because we don't usually get these kinds of birds here.  I found out they are called American White Pelicans.  Most pelicans dive for fish...but these actually work together to herd fish where they can eat them.

I can't wait to paint these in my nature notebook!

LadyPoet33