One of the things I love to watch on Galveston Island is the pelicans flying in formation.  They are taking advantage of aerodynamics to conserve energy -- getting a little lift from the pelican in front and a little to the side of them.

Their dawdling drift down the beach will put you in a mood to slow down and watch.

Gulls gamble for ferry throws

"Come on dude, off my back, I was here first.  This ferry boat food is mine."  This shot is from a ride across the Galveston to High Island ferry.

Dark ferry ride conjures up phantom ships

Continuing from our ferry trip post of yesterday -- As we pulled out of Galveston Island's ferry dock, heading back to the Bolivar Peninsula,  the ship above passed by us, seeming a dark phantom on the water.  It seemed strange to only have the light from our ferry illuminating the silent somber shadow as it slid by.  However, out into Galveston Bay we were passed by another indistinct, light-less hulk that was even harder to distinguish except as it passed between us and the lighted shores. The cabin and deck lights were all off.

Though I had taken the ferry many times, this was my first night-time ride, and it was well worth the trip.

Pelican sentry caught eyes wide shut.

I captured this shot of this Pelican thinking he was looking out from the ferry landing, waiting for the next ferry (i.e. the next meal to come rolling in.  However, when I blew up the shot, I discovered the real truth:  Look at the eyes -- he is SLEEPING!

Laughing Gull gets the last laugh (and bravado)

This brave Laughing Gull landed on the hood of our car as we waited for the Bolivar ferry to Galveston Island. His was not just a quick landing and a scoot, either. He spent time enjoying the stay -- he probably went back to his buds and bragged about his coup.

Comorants take the lofty watchout

The Comorants are the generals of the birds that trail behind the ferry from Bolivar Peninsula to Galveston Island.  Gulls lead the charge, flocking up close to the boat to catch pieces of food thrown by the ferry riders. The pelicans follow close behind ready to swoop to a landing in the ferry's wake if they see something worthy of a meal.  The Comorants come in behind the noisy crowd only after the ferry is about a half mile from the dock.  They take the soaring overlook, with an eye out for anything that is worthy of their lofty watchout.

Gull turns on a feather

We need some air breaks here!  Time to do a quick correction change. Feathers, don't fail me now.  (I am interpreting here for the gull.  My gullian may be a little rusty). This was shot from the rear of the Galveston to Bolivar ferry.

Pelican's flight floats above the froth

A brown pelican shows off his gliding skills as he skims across the Galveston, TX, shore waters looking for breakfast.

Pelican goes ferry fishing

A pelican was following low over the water as we crossed from Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula by ferry.  I suppose he was willing to either take a tossed treat or to see what fish the ferry might stir up  -- whichever came first.

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Pelican squadron buzzes Galveston beach

This is probably why a group of brown pelicans is often called a squadron.  They were cruising the beach in Galveston, Tx.   At this particular moment, though, the wind was being uncooperative.
--steve buser

Brown Pelicans, Galveston, TX

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Raising Chicks

Three Willets wander the surf off Galveston near Houston looking for any morsels they can bring back to their nest. Soon after I shot this picture they spotted me and the antics began. I discovered then that the nest was very close, so I wander off to other parts.
--steve buser

Willets, Galveston, Houston, Texas

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Sailing for dollars

Galveston Bay, Southeast of Houston, is a playground and work site. While the yachts and pleasure boats stream out of the marinas on the west side of the bay, the big cargo ships and container ships work back and forth from the sea to the Houston ship channel. Somehow it all works out.
--steve buser

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Feeling free on the ferry

It was a ferry good ride. We love to take the ferry from Bolivar to Galveston with the grandkids. It's an exciting ride with birds following the boat, dolphins swimming and the spray of the ocean breezes.

It's hard to decide if we want to get on top to see far away or down on the deck in the back to feel the ocean spray. Usually, the bow has a lot more spray and we keep our distance from that.

It's about a 20 minute ride across the bay. Many people come along the Bolivar Peninsula and use the free ferry for an alternate way into Houston, or its lower haunts.
--steve buser

Galveston, free ferry, Texas, Gulf of Mexico

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Watching the waiters

A Coast Guard boat cuises past some ocean-gowing barges out in the pass between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. We were crossing on the ferry. The area is always good for ship viewing.

Look carefully between the Coast Guard boat and the barge on the right. You will see a shrimp boat, also plying the waters.
--steve buser

Houston, ship traffic, Galveston, ferry

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Wandering Willet turns wary

A Willet gives me the eye when I try to take a picture of him wading in the shallow surf in Galveston Bay.

--steve buser

Willet, bird, Galveston, Texas

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Cuter farther away

He just came wondering up a few feet from where I was sitting. Granted, I was sitting very still and away from the passing crowds and near a little nature figure. Still, his presence shocked me. More so, the lady he came up behind.

I guess the only time I ever saw a possum before was when they were scurrying not to be seen. That's precisely what this guy did -- he didn't like the notoriety. The whole thing took place at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island while we were watching out son, Chuck, race.
--steve buser

Opossum, Galveston, Moody Gardens, Texas, animals, nature.

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More than a mouthful

A Willet gets a good meal from the shallow waters of Galveston Bay -- a small crab. I think he is probably wondering, what do I do with something this big? Hey, he opened his mouth, er... bill. He's got to be more careful about that kind of thing.

--steve buser

Willet, crab, Galveston Island, Galveston Bay

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Brown Angels

These Brown Pelicans seemed to be doing their Blue Angels impersonation as they cruised the beach along Galveson, TX

--steve buser

Brown Pelicans, Beach, Galveson, Texas

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End of the ride, end of the flight

Our ferry boat comes sliding into Galveston as another ferry readies to leave.

Most people aren't aware of this route into Galveston from the East. You jump off of I-10 in Winnie and head south for a ride along the coast on Bolivar Peninsula. At the end of the peninsula, the ferry takes you across to Galveston island.

At the landing here, as we left the ferry, the gulls that had been following us settled in to wait for the next boat to leave.
--steve buser

Galveston, Texas, ferry, birds, gulls

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Wave-to-wind hop sets him sailing

A Brown Pelican which had been sitting on the water warching our Galveston-Bolivar ferry pull into the ferry landing, suddenly decides it''s time to get up amd move about. He timed a wave pretty good and pushed off strong with his feet to send him skyward.

--steve buser

Pelican, Galveston, ferry, Bolivar Peninsula, TexasPowered by ScribeFire.