“Oh, a wondrous bird is the pelican!
His bill holds more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week.
But I’m darned if I know how the helican.”
Dixon Lanier Merritt
Every year on our family beach trip, I try to get a great photo of pelicans. I love to photograph them! Usually too far off shore for my lens to capture, these tireless fishermen parade up and down the coast looking for food. When their beaks and bellies are full, they soar along the beach, lined up as though they were grade school kids going to the library. Moments later they appear again, traveling the other direction. Riding on the sea breezes, they almost seem to be in a trance, mesmerized by the pounding of the roaring surf.
Pelicans exhibit the best work ethic. They carry out their labor with grace and dignity. They are consistent, passionate and even indignant in their quest for fishing success. When left with free time, they refuse to be idle. They continue to exercise, play follow-the-leader, and enjoy riding the wind currents along the ocean’s edge.
Is this the real reason you see them rhythmically pacing up and down along the dunes and condo roofs?
Maybe they just enjoy seeing all the girls in bikinis!
The Photographist 