On the order of pelicaniformes

Mom and I specifically went to Monterey to see the hatchling cormorants. I didn't realize we'd see hundreds of Brown Pelicans with them. Last time I was there I might have seen just a couple of pelicans. And now I discover they are in the same order. I guess that makes sense since they have similar long necks, are great fishers, and are awkward on land.

I also had never thought of pelicans as good looking birds, but the ones in Monterey sure were. These particular pelicans are Pelecanus occidentalis. Check them out :)

Graceful in flight too :)

And Brandt's Cormorants too... they are in the same order of pelicaniformes, but different family, the Phalacrocoracidae with their scientific name being Phalacrocorax penicillatus. (i wonder why penicillatus?)
Back in May they were nesting... Last week they had all hatched with some more ready for their first swim than others.

The ones above look like they are quite a ways off from flying & swimming.
The ones below look closer, but obviously still quite dependent on mama and papa.

I question the wisdom of these parents... but I don't think they lost any. It looks like they have two of them and taking a gander at the rest of the colony that seemed to be a normal number.

This stud-muffin looks like it's getting ready to go out on his own.

But on second glance, he's still at that awkward age.

He's still pretty fuzzy rather than sleek like the adults.