The waters cleared and became greener as we traveled toward the open Gulf of Mexico. A closer look at the mangrove trees that make up the Ten Thousand Islands. Mud, sands, oyster shells and organic debris get trapped between the roots of the mangroves, possibly causing the island to grow larger over time. Adult pelicans in summer plumage have a white head and a brown stripe on the back of the neck. Second-year pelicans are gray and do not have seasonal plumage.
Pelicans are large waterbirds and are commonly seen throughout Florida.
Pelicans mainly eat fish. An osprey parent and chick in their nest. Ospreys are large, fish-eating, birds of prey. They are commonly confused with bald eagles because of their white heads. To aid in identification, look for the osprey's dark band across its face and the osprey's white belly.