Ground effect demonstration - GIF

[Henk Bannink]

A slow motion video of a pelican landing would be a more convincing demonstration in my view, as I'm sure extra lift was gained from the updraft provided by the curved surface moving forward underneath.

Yes agree that is called slope lift and is often used by model glider pilots with specific slope soarers. If a column of air (wind aproaches a slope it would move over the slope up to a height of the slope thus creatin lift right in front of the slope.

Ground effect does not create lift but suports an object just above the surface of the ground or water surface with a compressed "bubble". The object still needs propultion and wings although smaller than conventional