The Return of the Pelicans

  Watching the brown pelicans fly above the water, dive then take flight again is much like watching some well-choreographed dance.  While they are rather awkward on land due to the position of their legs, these birds are some of the most agile fliers ever to exist!  They can fly just inches above the water's surface, splash dive and immediately "water-walk" back into flight.  The water-walking is their method of getting up and out of the water before takeoff.  Brown pelicans sort of do a hop, skip and jump before lifting up from the water.  Their wide wingspan (of about 7 feet!) propels them along nicely but folded can enable a quick dive.  Speaking of their dives, contrary to what most folks think, they do not catch fish on the initial dive.  The splashdown is merely to confuse any fish and send them in a panic.  The bird actually sits and scoops up the disoriented fish in their huge bill.  If you ever watch the birds, you will notice that the bills can hold gallons of water (and hopefully fish).  After scooping, the pelican will point its bill skyward and allow the water to drain, all the while, keeping the fish inside.

  Early this afternoon, Son and I headed to the pier to adjust the moorings of the small skiff.  The stiff winds and heavy rains of late had pulled at the ropes and loosened the boat enough to cause problems.  While he was securing the ropes, I watched the pelicans.  Nine of the birds were diving in the shallow water.  They were scooping the six inch long mullet that were seeking deeper water.  The birds were definitely getting their bellies filled today!!

  It is good to see the waterfowl coming back into the Bay and Bayou after all of the troubles caused by the opening of the spillways this spring and summer.  Now, the area seems much more natural than earlier.   Plenty of fish have returned which has caused the birds to come home again.  Things are getting back to normal...good to see.  Let's hope the officials make better calls next time.