Another Injury

  It saddens me to find so many critters hurt around the Bayou and, more oft than not, this pain is caused by humans.  It seems as if people have no respect for wild animals.  I admit that most of the time, the injuries are not intentional but are due to gross neglect of the environment.  Critters have every right to live a peaceful life free from our garbage cluttering up their world.  It is not uncommon for people to "clean" their houses but then throw everything in the dump...or in this case, in the water.  Critters have no idea what can cause harm to them and will regularly visit areas where people toss things...yes, even the dump.  They ingest, become ensnared or simply get too close to things that have been discarded.  People! Use commonsense.  Stop tossing your junk in the critters' living spaces!

  This morning as I was out walking the old dog, I noticed a friend in need.  A pelican was resting on the pier.  The bird did not look well.  Something seemed off by just the way the bird was sitting.  Knowing that I could not venture down on the pier with the old dog in tow, I sadly turned away and headed back up the hillside.  Mr. PJ came first.  The bird would have to wait.

  Later, Mark and I eased our way down the pier to where the pelican was still sitting.  About thirty feet from the bird, Mark stopped and let me try to slip up to the bird.  We figured the pelican would be more at ease with just one human approaching.  I was able to get within about five feet from the bird before it became jittery.  There was definitely something lodged in its throat and from the appearance of it, I would venture a guess that it was fishing gear of some sort.  There was definitely a fishing line dangling from the bird's bill.  Poor baby!  I needed to get to him so I could help!

  Even though I spent a good bit of time talking with the bird and letting it get used to my presence, I could not get near enough to help.  The bird did seem to be almost asking for help as it looked at me with the saddest eyes.  Tomorrow, I will try again.  Perhaps if I can coax it near to me, I can dislodge whatever the poor bird has caught in its throat.  Otherwise, it will surely die a slow and painful death.  I did contact my cousin who has an amazing knack for taming wild animals.  She said that in the morning, she will walk the marsh hunting for our friend.  Hopefully between the two of us, we can save this majestic creature.  Now, if I could only knock some sense into ignorant people who do not properly dispose of their junk!!!