This young Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) might as well have winked at me as he flew right by! This is my last post about my trip to Port Aransas, TX, and it should come as no surprise that I saved the pelicans for last. Something about pelicans – no matter the species – makes me smile. Maybe it is the way they waddle on the ground, or gaze serenely at passers-by over their very long “noses.”

Surely, part of why I love pelicans is the way they soar like airplanes over the water, with their magnificent long wings fully extended. I love to watch them zoom over the surface of the water, sometimes dipping the tips of their wings into the surf and not missing a beat.When they decide to make a landing, it looks something like this:

Speaking of flights and landings, I’ve also flown from Texas today and am posting from Garden Grove, CA. I’m told that I am only about 30 minutes from the ocean, but this trip is all business. I’ve seen the most lovely fauna-Birds of Paradise blooming everywhere, giant trees loaded with two inch pink blossoms, and several other strange (to me) and lovely trees and plants.

I want to share some information about the International Bird Rescue Research Center’s (IBRRC) new Pelican Program. I have copied the information below from a bulletin I received via email – doing what I can to spread the word about this great organization:

  A special e-news update for friends of IBRRC Fall 2009  

Your help can really make new Pelican Project fly

Dear friends and supporters,
We’ve all seen the majestic Brown Pelicans flying in formation along the coast nearly touching the waves.
Since 1971, IBRRC has been caring for these incredible birds. Each year our two bird centers treat 400 to 600 California Brown Pelicans. We need your help!!!

To focus greater resources to help pelicans, IBRRC is now pleased to announce our new Pelican Project. Through online reports and new educational posters, IBRRC will work to promote public understanding of how to live cooperatively with these birds. We’ll also be conducting post release studies on pelicans that have been rehabilitated at both of our centers.
How can you help?

Report found blue banded Pelicans
• Please report any blue banded pelicans and read about our pelican rehabilitation efforts at The Pelican Project.
• Become a Pelican Partner or Adopt-a-Pelican This is your direct way to help IBRRC underwrite the costs of caring for these wonderful birds.
• Participate in Pennies for Pelicans program: Collect spare change or place a collection box at your favorite retail store. You can also order a Pennies for Pelicans t-shirt.
As always, your support goes to our greatest need: The birds.
Thanks for your continued support and please visit the Project Pelican page on our web site.
Sincerely,

Jay Holcomb, Executive Director
International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC)
     

Today’s post is as brief as my visit to CA – short and sweet, and just the thing to fit into a busy schedule. I hope you’ve enjoyed the pictures, and encourage you to visit the IBRRC’s site to learn more about ways you can help.