I have been thinking for the last year how to make this automaton. It is a seemingly simple action but both bottom and top beak need to move upwards but at different speeds. A challenge to which I finally found a solution.
As a first for me I have made the sides out of light blue acrylic. This represents the water and the back panel has ash engrave dot continue the illusion.
The pelican is made from lime wood on a thin birch ply frame. It is finished with gesso and then acrylic paint and acrylic lacquer in gloss and dead flat as appropriate.
The mechanism is made from American cherry wood with brass axles. It is completed with a walnut crank handle.
This is a small automaton, about 5 and a half inches in height.
All parts are made by me in my workshop.