Five Pelicans on Papakeechie

LAKE PAPAKEECHIE had some unique and unusual visitors Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. John Hart shared, “My neighbor Gary Moore called me and said that five pelicans just landed on Lake Papakeechie. Gary and Marilyn have been here 48 years and have never seen a pelican.“I walked down with my iPhone and my spotting scope and got the best pictures that I could without disturbing them. My wife, Georganna, and I have lived here almost seven years and I serve on the Lake Papakeechie board.” Thanks for the great shot John.Here is some info from Audubon Society on American white pelicans. Colonies of these birds are vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss due to climate change. This was probably a migratory group heading north to Canada for the summer as flocks in migration stop on lakes and rivers. Feeding areas may be miles from nesting sites.One of the largest birds in North America, it has a nine foot wingspan. Despite its great size, it is a spectacular flier, with flocks often soaring very high in the air, ponderously wheeling and circling in unison.