Port Pelicans.....

I first spotted them two days ago. It was late afternoon and I went out to the deck to water my plant....and thought "Wow...those are big birds! Maybe snow geese?" So I grabbed the binoculars and my jaw dropped - white pelicans. About 20 white pelicans floating just off shore.

I grabbed my bird identification book and according to the information inside, the Great Lakes are not part of their normal territory or migration path....or at least it is not common to see them take this route. But there they were, and they stayed for days feasting on the fish that are all around the marina.

I was curious so I grabbed my bird identification book and then I googled them. Did you know that a group of pelicans are called a brief, a pod, a pouch, a scoop or a squadron? I like the idea of a scoop of pelicans. That's what they do....scoop up their dinners.

They are one of the largest aquatic bird and can have a nine foot wingspan...it is amazing to watch them take off and fly. They are "shy" and live in colonies and that's why we have about 50 floating around Port Washington at the moment. I have to wonder how long they will stay.

And I learned that both males and females have that bump on their beaks during mating season, and then it falls off. I wonder if the females are attracted to the males with the biggest bumps???

Anyway.....walking along Rotary and Coal Dock Parks it is fascinating to watch this beautiful visitor stop in our neighborhood. Port's pelicans......