On the Wind

One of my favorite birds to watch is the Brown Pelican. If you have ever been to a beach it is almost certain you have seen one or more of them. I am always fascinated when I glance up from the sandy beach and spot a group of Pelicans. They are usually soaring just above the waves in a symmetric formation. With no movement of their outstretched wings they just deftly glide along on the wind. It makes me envious of the ease of their aerial mobility. Another interesting sight is when a group of Pelicans are feeding. One will hover momentarily above the waves then fold its giant brown wings and drop head first like a rock splashing into the surface. More likely than not it will emerge with a fish between its massive bills. If it fails the Pelican rises from the water and performs the dive again. Looking at this Pelican resting on a fishing pier piling in Titusville Florida it is difficult to imagine its agility in the air. An awesome bird, the Pelican.