Mark Smith

I’m not usually a fan of “high key” images. An image with mostly light tones and very little darks or shadows, but with the Dalmatian pelican, the limited tonal values are simply stunning. It’s as if the bird has magically appeared from a thick fog to deliver a message laced with wisdom, stoicism, and virtue. It is a physical embodiment of the silver lining in a dark cloud. How does this image make you feel?

As the rush of the incoming tide slows to a calm, almost inviting flow, the tension in the air lessens. The soaring eagles slow down and relax as the boat lazily meanders down the current. Having already eaten 4-5 hake fish, this eagle is intent on getting its last meal of the tide cycle, but as you can clearly see, it is calm and almost relaxed as it drops out of the queue and approaches the waterline. Gotta love those feathered pantaloons blowing in the breeze. #eagles #birdsoftiktok #birdsofprey #fishing #kansascitychiefs

When I originally shared this video, which has been stolen more times than I can count, I was so excited to share it that I didn’t include any backstory. Eagles in this area have learned about an environmental anomaly that brings them a steady supply of fish on incoming tides. Huge volumes of water move from a wide area to a narrow area, creating turbulent currents that trap fish at great depths and send them rushing to the surface in mere seconds. The end result leaves the fish bloated with gas and filled like a balloon. Their life is ending, and because they are full of expanded gasses, they are trapped on the surface, making an easy meal for the eagles, but the competition can be fierce, and the birds who are brave enough to submerge their entire bodies in the near-freezing waters are greatly rewarded. On this dreary afternoon, a strong wind pushed its way through the mountains. It howled and hissed as it moved past rock, timber, and water. This wind gave the eagles extra lift granting them the ability to just hover in place while slowly descending into the ice depths below. Pay close attention to the bird’s nostrils when it exits the water. You can actually see it exhale and push all the saltwater out in one big burst. Now the challenge is eating on the wing, and for me, keeping the entire bird and fish in the frame while filming from a boat that’s being tossed back and forth in the rush of current. Challenging to say the least, but well worth the effort, as you can clearly see.

Suave, debonair, worldly, and oh so sophisticated, this Dalmatian pelican should grace the cover of the latest fashion magazine. Boasting the latest in winter fashions, color coordination, and hairstyles. The mop of disheveled “hair” on its head. The slightly angrier version of the “Blue Steel” look on its face. The colorful pouch resembling a stylish scarf that contrasts perfectly with the soft gray-blue backgrounds. Such a beauty.

This is the perfect example of why ospreys just might be the best anglers in the world. I’ve seen this thousands of times, and it still makes me wide-eyed with wonder at just how they manage to accomplish their amazing feats of flight, falling, submerging, and then flying again but with a fish in tow. For those wondering, this osprey managed to rip a ladyfish from the water. Glad I’m not a fish. #birdsoftiktok #birbs #osprey #eagle #fishing #florida #gladimnotafish #marksmithphotography

Clyde, a former Olympic judge, still loves to practice his craft with his pelican buddies. Their graceful yet calculated water landings are always his favorite. It’s not often that he doles out the prestigious “2-wings up” award, but on this morning, he witnessed a perfect landing worthy of the sought-after salute!

In my experience, it would seem that pelicans are fearless and determined to do one thing: fill their massive gaping pouch, and that was exactly what this pelican had in mind until it saw something that struck a chord of fear. It was hyper-focused on an incoming school of bite-sized game fish, and when the moment was just right, the pelican shoved its head underwater in hopes of a plentiful bounty of food, but then it saw what was chasing them and retreated very quickly. You can actually see the shock in its posture. Its wings held high and wide to make itself seem larger than life, and its mouth open ready to attack if need be, followed by a quick series of snaps at the end as if to say, “Yeah, and I’ve got more where that came from! So stay back.” What do you think the pelican saw? #pelicans #florida #birdsoftiktok #birds #birbs #fishing #marksmithphotography #fear

At my favorite place to photograph ospreys, poles were placed on the bridge to prevent cars from hitting the birds, and it’s a huge success. There is always one bird who chooses to sit on one of these poles and yell at any other osprey who gets close. I’ve always wondered how this bird managed to sit perfectly on this tiny pole. This close-up shot explains it all. Simply fascinating!!!

Imagine being a fish just swimming along your merry way when suddenly a rush of water pushes you hundreds of feet up in seconds. All the air inside your body expanding, and the next thing you know, you are stuck painfully floating on the surface where some massive winged beast swoops down, picks you up, and whisks you off into another dimension. Glad I’m not a fish! The eagle in this shot though. Such a beauty. I love when it looks back at its catch almost questionably. Did you see the size of that fish??!!! #eagles #birbs #birdsoftiktok #birdsofprey #birdsarentreal #fishing #gladimnotafish #marksmithphotography

Guess who doesn’t have a crew of beauticians and stylists working overtime on its wintry image? The Dalmatian Pelican. This bird is a natural. Yes, it spends time preening and making sure its feathers are presentable but it can’t reach the tendrils of feathers on its heads in order to get that David Lynch hair style. These birds are just beautiful all on their own. Does its style remind you of anyone in particular?

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “What camera and lens do you use?” Forget camera models, lenses, settings, etc. Study your subject. Learn what they eat, where they sleep, where they travel, and why. Become a silent stalker, watching their every move from a safe distance. Study their food and its food and its food and its food, etc. Spend as much time with them in the wild as you can, and you will be greatly rewarded with wisdom you won’t find in any book. Sit with them through their celebrated triumphs, necessary failures, and personal losses. You will quickly see that they are all emotional beings, and when you become emotionally invested in them, a new world will present itself to you and your camera. I can’t stress this enough. This is the single most important thing you can do to improve your experiences with the wild world and your camera of choice. #eagles #birdsoftiktok #birdsofprey #birdsarentreal #frenzy

Decorated with alternating shades of brown, gray, and white, this young bald eagle demonstrates an excellent example of its aerodynamic prowess. It has already mastered the skills it needs to survive the many challenges it will face on its journey towards adulthood, and there will be many more to come. Being a bird isn’t easy. Being a large bird of prey is even harder. Being a fish? Glad I’m not one.

Back in the late 60s, the rock band “The Pelicans” were well ahead of their time. They set the standard for the classic “rock group shot” complete with style, attitude, and mystery. Despite their amazing music and punk rock attitude, they managed to escape the perils of huge success and thrive as an underground band for many years. With classic hits like “Shove it in my pouch,” “Two Wings Up,” and the iconic track “Can’t? We are the PeliCans!,” it’s no wonder they are still filling small music venues around the globe. Word has it they will be touring in 2026. Keep your eyes out for the announcement! I’ll definitely be attending.

Ospreys seem to love hunting at first light. Sometimes they gather in groups of 20-30 and hunt a tiny tide pool area close to my home, and watching this feeding frenzy is always an amazing experience. On this morning, I specifically remember the constant, steady stream of these majestic birds falling from the sky and rising from the water with a fish or two. They started at around 6:45 a.m. and stopped around 10:30 a.m. I was knee-deep in ospreys with fish and the tide pool. I had an unreleased Sony camera to test, and this constant stream of birds was the perfect opportunity to put the camera through its paces. The A1-2 performed amazingly well and helped me capture this beautiful video of a morning osprey rising out of the water like a phoenix from the ashes with a sizable ladyfish clutched tightly in its talons. Glad I’m not a fish. #birdsoftiktok #birdsofprey #osprey #florida #fishing #gladimnotafish #marksmithphotography