Pelican Andy....

I write a lot about the wildlife on the Bayou because..well..that is what I am around most of the day..wildlife. I have posted time and again about the many pelicans that often visit the Bayou..they are my friends. Today's local newspaper ran an article about a pelican and some heroic (in my eyes) men. As the story unfolds we learn that a tugboat crew on board the Lesli M. observed a Brown Pelican acting peculiarly. These kindhearted men managed to catch the poor bird and inspect him a bit closer. The bird was in deep trouble as it had two steel fishing hooks attached together with a leader line embedded in its body. The crew worked as a team to hold the bird and cut the hooks from its body. This done, they contacted wildlife rehabilitation center and a veterinarian to find help for the bird. With advice from the vet, they decided to continue giving aid to the pelican. The first attempts at feeding him were met with unsatisfactory results..obviously this pelican did not like bread and eggs nor did he like canned sardines! He wanted fresh food! The crew's family became involved and even peeled shrimp for the bird! Between the shrimp and fresh mullet as meals, the pelican was soon on the road to recovery! He still comes by occasionally asking for a handout but the crew insists that he needs to return to the wild. Good job, crew of the Lesli M.! A big thank you to David Toepfer, Timmy Lafontaine and John Paske from wildlife lovers everywhere! You are heroes in our eyes! Andy, the pelican, can once again catch mullet!

A Brown Pelican much like the one rescued by a tugboat crew!

Although this is the "feel-good" story of the day, there is also the unintentional "feel-bad" side. This Brown Pelican was one of the lucky ones. What happens to the many more animals that become entangled in discarded fishing equipment? True, this line most likely was accidentally lost and not intentionally snared into the bird, but there is a very simple way to prevent long-term injury to animals in this situation. A simple rule of "No Steel Hooks and No Steel Leaders" especially in inland waters could possibly be a remedy to such a problem. Personally, I use hooks that rust out in just a few days if left in the salt water. This is done specifically so if a fish breaks my line and takes the hook, I do not have to fret over the fact that the hook will cause permanent damage. I have seen far too many of my animal friends in severe pain from the carelessness of so called fishermen. Pop always use to say, "Take care of Nature and it will take care of you." Please fishermen (and fisherwomen!) fish responsibly! Be a true sportsman and do not needlessly harm the critters that inhabit our waterways! True..I do fish and I am all for eating seafood, but I am careful not to needlessly harm the other fish, birds and animals in the area. What we do..how we fish..impacts the future of the bays and bayous. Use biodegradable fishing line and leaders and always use a fish hook that will rust out in a few days. When you think about it..this makes sense. If you protect the fish, birds and animals of the waters, there will always be a ready supply when you wish to try your hand at catching a few. If you don't do your part, eventually the bays and bayous will become barren.

A beautiful Brown Pelican like the one entangled in fishing line and hooks that was rescued by the crew of the Lesli M.

To read the full story of Andy, the Pelican and his rescuers please visit the SunHerald at http://www.sunherald.com/2011/11/04/3554253/tugboat-workers-save-a-pelican.html