Surveyor

The shocking life and personality Michael Lord carves into one piece of stone extends far beyond technical skill – it’s a rare gift heightened by a true mastery of his medium and subjects. The now 66-year old carver has been working in the medium for 44 years, but his incredible Pelicans showcase his remarkable talent for complex feather work and lively characters.

British Columbia actually has one of the world’s largest nesting colonies for the American White Pelican. Beyond that, Brown Pelicans will also migrate up the West Coast yearly, landing in the Vancouver area for their summers. 

The American White Pelican is tied as the longest bird native to North America, assisted by its huge 11-15” beak and substantial 95–120” wingspan. In fact, this Pelican has the second largest wingspan in all of North America, allowing for much easier migrations along the West Coast. In comparison, the Brown Pelican’s beak is not as long, but still can carry over two gallons of water in its large throat pouches.

The birds are famous for their diving style of hunting, plummeting at high speeds to scoop their prey from upwards of 60 feet in the air.