The American White Pelican can weigh as much as sixteen pounds and up to six feet long, with a wing span of around nine feet. They eat carp, minnows, northern pike, catfish, sturgeon, frogs and lizards. The White Pelican does not dive, so they must depend on each other to help capture their catch.
Social birds, they are seldom seen alone while nesting, feeding or during migration. Parents share the care of their young, even taking turns in the nest.
Since the nineteen-eighties, their numbers have been increasing steadily and we look forward and celebrate their return.
Besure to wear your sunglasses, because like the Pelicans our "Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades". Be ready for the line dance, "Walk Like a Pelican" and other silliness.
Are their others that would like to do something that weekend to begin an annual celebration of the return of our 'snow birds'? To begin the tradition, we need some help planning, organizing and promoting to pull off these events. If there is interest and enthusiasm, and some volunteers, these are some ideas:
For Kids--Pelican coloring pages, face painting, scavenger hunts
For Big Kids--A scavenger hunt around the lake, a fishing seminar, an informational presentation on the Pelicans' life journey brunch
Fundraising Effort--Pledges collected to fund the handicapped dock project. A Live Minnow Eating Contest.
Homecoming Royalty--Making mention of those who won't be back this year do to moving away or passing away. Honor those that have made Poinsett their home the longest.
If you are interested in any of these ideas, or have an idea of your own to contribute, please contact Linda at LAKEVIEW. Email: lakeviewresortlakepoinsett.com. Time is getting away from us for this year. But next year can be our 2nd annual and incorporate these and other ideas.
For books and media, gift ideas, and practical weather proof cases and flashlights shop the LAKEVIEW online store for Pelican items.
