Pelicans gaze at the sky as rocket launches in Photo of the Week

This image could have simply captured a typical rocket launch, something that Malcolm Denemark, a senior photographer for FLORIDA TODAY, has frequently shot during a year marked by numerous record-breaking launches in Brevard. However, this shot stands out as something extraordinary. The birds become the focal point in this weeks featured photo, showing pelicans observing the December 2nd launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which was carrying a batch of Starlink satellites.

What made this photo special was the timing and location of the pelicans. They had chosen the perfect spot to perch just as the rocket launched, allowing Denemark to capture the shot with remarkable timing.

"It could have been another routine Starlink launch on the Space Coast, something we see often," Denemark remarked. "But as the 5:18 p.m. launch time approached, the light started to fade, creating a striking contrast against the rocket's flame. The pelicans, sitting on the pilings, remained in place just long enough for me to capture the perfect moment. It was a defining detail that made all the difference."