Pelicans are birds that most birders can easily identify, from their large pouch-bill and big size.
Pelicans are found on both coasts in the US as well as at a small number of lakes in the interior. They are brown in their first year before developing their white neck - dark body of adulthood. They can weight over 8 pounds have a wingspan of almost 8' across.
Pelicans are very comfortable being around people on docks and folowing fishing boats. They dive headfirst into the water from a fair height, grabbing the fish in their pouch to carry off.
Lisa's Travelogue of her Everglades Trip
Birding Encyclopedia