Walking on the beach, I am fascinated by these large birds graciously grazing the sky above the ocean or over the Intracoastal. Pelicans usually fly in formations. You see them gliding and it is quite a sight…
And then they suddenly dive into the water to catch the fish…
Living in Florida, you learn not to swim when there you see pelicans actively fishing by the shoreline… It means that there is plenty of fish, and, most probably there are other efficient hunters in the water – sharks.
Pelicans are here for 30 Millions years, way longer than humans. Brown pelicans, that are so common here, are the smallest of the species, but with the wingspan of over 6’, it is a very impressive large bird.
When we moved to Florida, I felt a little intimidated by the idea of getting hit by their poop, but it never happened, and I have never seen any large poop on the beach that I could attribute to pelicans.
Seagulls – yes, a lot of poop on the beach when they congregate on it, but never pelicans.
I was also curious as to where they spend their nights.
There is an island just south of Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange. Officially Island #3, but locals call it Seabird Island or Pelican Island. It is actually a sanctuary taken care of by Halifax River Audubon.
If you go under the bridge, you are only a hundred yards from the island, and it is a site of so many pelicans that on some days I think there is no vacant square inch of land. And the stench is very strong. Smells like there is a lot of fertilizer on this island.
Just next to the island is a Seabird Mobile Park, and residents sometimes complain about the smell, especially when the wind blows their way. But hey, this is their island, and when you are surrounded by water, there are not only gorgeous views to enjoy; there is also poop to smell.
;-)
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