Pelicans of Lake Kerkini

Each season, Bluedot Living will feature a photo essay by Yasmin Namini, a former Chief Consumer Officer at the New York Times, who is now traveling the world taking photographs. At Bluedot, we believe that celebrating the Earth’s most enchanting creatures, cultures, and landscapes will inspire us to help preserve them.

Lake Kerkini, a tranquil wetland oasis nestled in the foothills of Northern Greece, is home to one of Europe's most significant bird sanctuaries. Its calm waters and surrounding landscapes provide critical refuge to hundreds of bird species, including the strikingly beautiful Dalmatian Pelican and Great White Pelican.

The Dalmatian Pelican, distinguished by its silvery-white plumage and vibrant orange-red bill during breeding season, is among the largest freshwater birds in the world. Once critically endangered, in recent years, concerted conservation efforts have been underway to ensure that these pelicans not only survive but thrive. Initiatives such as habitat restoration, monitoring of nesting areas, and community involvement have been instrumental in gradually increasing their numbers and fostering a promising recovery. As a result, Lake Kerkini is now one of the most crucial breeding grounds for this charismatic species.

Alongside them, the Great White Pelican thrives, sharing the habitat and contributing to the biodiversity of the area. Both pelican species, with their contrasting colors and behaviors, create a dynamic environment for nature lovers and photographers.

In this month's photo essay, I share images from my trip to Lake Kerkini during the Dalmatian Pelican breeding season. It’s a visual celebration of these captivating pelicans, highlighting their elegance and charm thanks, in part, to the ongoing conservation successes that continue to safeguard their future.

The Pelicans of Lake Kerkini
In the calm waters of Lake Kerkini, Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans float side by side. Despite their name, Dalmatian Pelicans aren't spotted – they’re named after the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia where they once thrived. And, in another twist, during breeding season Great White Pelicans aren't white – they’re pink. It's nature's, or perhaps humans’, way of keeping us photographers on our toes!
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 28mm; 1/640 sec; f/2.8; ISO 500

Dressed To Impress
Dalmatian Pelicans put on quite the show during breeding season, with both males and females sporting dramatic changes in appearance. That wild head of wispy white feathers? It's not just for style, both sexes develop it to impress potential mates. Their bills also turn a vibrant orange-red, and the skin around their eyes brightens to a piercing yellow, creating a striking contrast against their silvery-white plumage. These bold colors and feathered flair are all part of nature's way of saying, “Hey, look at me!” And for photographers, it's a dream to capture.
Equipment, settings (left to right): Canon EOS R5; 500mm; 1/800 sec; f/9; ISO 100; Canon EOS R5; 200mm; 1/2,000 sec; f/6.3; ISO 500

Wings Over Water
With an impressive wingspan of up to 11 feet (3.3 meters), the Dalmatian Pelican is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Behold the sheer magnitude of its outstretched wings as it glides just inches above the rippling surface of Lake Kerkini. Its powerful wings cut through the air with grace, a testament to their strength and agility.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 300mm; 1/500 sec; f/5.6; ISO 100

Graceful Touchdown
With an elegant spread of its massive wings, this Dalmatian Pelican makes a dramatic landing on the tranquil waters of Lake Kerkini. Its striking breeding colors – a deep orange-red bill and golden-hued throat pouch – stand out against the soft morning hues. Nearby, a Great White Pelican watches, its pink feathers glowing in the gentle light. These two species, though different in appearance, share the lake in harmony, each adding to the beauty of Lake Kerkini’s winter wildlife.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 61mm; 1/6,400 sec; f/5; ISO 3,200

Mirrored Takeoff
With the mighty flaps of its magnificent wings, a Dalmatian Pelican springs into flight off the glassy waters of Lake Kerkini. Its impressive wingspan and vibrant breeding colors are beautifully mirrored in the calm waters below. This delicate balance of power and grace is one reason why these majestic birds are such a joy to photograph.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 50mm; 1/2,000 sec; f/4; ISO 4,000

Feathered Brushstrokes
Overcast skies and the calm waters of Lake Kerkini transform this moment into something almost dreamlike, where the pelicans seem to glide across a canvas rather than a photograph. Their graceful flight reflects on the glassy surface, mirroring their forms with incredible precision. With misty mountains in the background and soft morning light washing over the scene, I am reminded of how nature effortlessly becomes an artist.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 24mm; 1/2,500 sec; f/4; ISO 4,000

Look! No Hands!
With wings spread wide and an expression of comedic surprise, this Dalmatian Pelican makes a grand, if slightly ungraceful, landing on Lake Kerkini. Whether it's celebrating a smooth touchdown or just realizing mid-air that water landings can be tricky, its wide-open bill and intense gaze add a touch of humor to this moment. Even the most elegant birds have their goofy side!
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 100mm; 1/5,000 sec; f/2.8; ISO 1,000

Splash and Snatch
In a flurry of wings and splashes, these Dalmatian Pelicans engage in an intense pursuit for a fish just beneath the surface of Lake Kerkini. The lead pelican stretches its bill wide, ready to scoop up its meal, while others race in from behind, determined not to miss out on the action.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 100mm; 1/5,000 sec; f/2.8; ISO 800

Prized Catch
With a triumphant snap of its powerful bill, a Dalmatian Pelican secures its prize — a freshly caught fish. Water droplets scatter as the unlucky fish dangles from the pelican’s bill, moments away from being swallowed whole.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 100mm; 1/800 sec; f/7.1; ISO 2,000

Golden Flight
As the sun sinks below the horizon, a Dalmatian Pelican glides through the golden light of sunset. Silhouetted against the orange-yellow sky and the soft ripples of the lake below, its elegant form enhances this tranquil scene of serenity and beauty. Together, they reflect the magic of Lake Kerkini, a place where light, water, and wildlife blend into pure artistry.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5m2; 105mm; 1/2,500 sec; f/4; ISO 250

All photographs copyright Yasmin Namini.