I took a trip to Bolsa Chica today and took these, the white pelicans are there now.

Very nice Karen. Love the reflection of the grebe in the second image, I'm guessing it's a Western Grebe (looks like one in my Sibley guide).

Agreed! The 2nd one is a "framer" for sure. The composition, reflection, and how the wake leads to the opposite corner (and the softness of it) are all great!

Most "rule of thumb" manuals will state to have the subject looking towards the center of the frame. I'm glad that you realized that the wake has a large role in this shot and that showing it (and forcing the bird out of the frame) was the "right" decision.

Thanks for posting. Please share more :)

Thanks Copy and Loupey,

I made a calendar (well snapfish made:) ) for my brother and dad for christmas and I used the second picture.
Thanks for the kind words.

Very nice shots Karen. I agree with Loupey that 2nd one is a keeper.

Yes the second is a western grebe and the last is a eared grebe :)