Eastward Bound

  It was a bright, sunshiny day here on the Bayou.  The warmth provided by the sun was highly welcomed after the downright chilly night!  Since I was out and about not doing housework, a stroll to the pier was in order.  Earlier, I had seen a flock of birds making their way eastward across the Bay and I wanted to see if they had perchance stopped in for a visit.  At first glance, I figured more cormorants were migrating but my guess was very inaccurate.  After a few moments, the birds were correctly identified as white pelicans.  This is the third large group of these birds that I have seen flying eastward in the past couple of weeks.  Many more probably made the flight without my noticing but this group made me ponder just where all the white pelicans were headed.  Eastward seems to be the popular direction.  

  My second trip to the pier was a bit disappointing as not a single white pelican could be found.  Obviously, the flock that was seen earlier kept steady on their flight pattern and did not hesitate a moment. Around the Bayou, there are dozens and dozens of brown pelicans but nary a white. Usually, at least a few will linger a bit before heading out for parts unknown.

  When I questioned one of my birder friends about the habit of the white pelicans not staying long in the Bay, she told me that if I wished to find the birds, I should look on the beach.  According to her, while the brown pelicans dive for their food and have no problem finding it in the murky water of the bays and bayous, the white pelicans favor the open waters of the Gulf.  Their habit of working together to corral fish seems to be more effective there.  Hmmm?  Alrighty then.

  In the meantime, the absence of white pelicans is probably to the liking of the browns.  They most likely appreciate the lack of competition for the little mullet.  Happy eating, brown pelicans!  At least, you visit me!

  The photograph above is from two days ago.  The clouds on the horizon that morning were from the cold front that moved into the area and brought us a tad of chilly weather!