Pelican on the Move

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

The American White Pelican can be found across the Prairies and into Ontario. In the Fall they migrate South to the States and Mexico.
These large bird can often be seen soaring in a group high over-head…even around the city. Many of the ponds that probably have fish within the city do attract Pelicans.

Given their size you may wonder just how they take-off if you haven’t ever seen them do so. Getting air born appears to be a real effort…this all starts with the Pelican running and flapping their big wings. Then with their large webbed feet being used in unison as paddles which gives them extra momentum for take-off.

Something to watch for if you ever have the opportunity.

Summer Memories

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

As the seasons change so do the subjects. It’s a sure sign that Autumn is coming when…you begin to hear and see Geese flying overhead in formation.
Of course there are already trees beginning to show Fall colors.

Reflecting back…the opportunity to take a visitor from Sweden on one of my Out-n-About Trips.
He was easy to please…his Wish List for one of the days consisted of Tim’s coffee, White Pelicans and a Hotdog.

Off we went to Lockport for Pelicans and Hotdogs. Yes, the Pelicans even performed some precision flying.

Always nice to reflect back on some Summer Memories.

Splish Splash

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Recently had a visitor in town from Sweden and he was excited to visit Lockport to see Pelicans. Although the numbers were down and believe the majority of the birds to be juveniles. Most sitting on the rocks close to shore…preening seemed to be the excitement to be had.

Of course no trip to Lockport would be complete without stopping at the Half Moon Drive-in for a hotdog.

Watching this Pelican on the Red River instantly made me think of the song Splish Splash by Bobby Darin.

Sorry you may be humming “Splish Splash I was taking a bath” for the rest of the day now.