American White Pelicans

American White Pelicans on Elk River
(Far, far, far away from me)

The newspaper said in big letters "American White Pelicans sighted on Elk River!" So where does a birder go but to Elk River! Upon arriving I detect a problem - all the properties along this narrow band of river is private with No Trespassing signs clearly visible on docks and grasslands. Far in the distance, blinding white in the sunshine, are tiny white dots floating along the currents. The zoom lens proves them to be pelicans but there's no way to get closer. I drive along crookneck lanes, bobbing and weaving through potholes and tree limbs but there was no public access anywhere. The zoomed and cropped photo will have to suffice for today. Then, it snowed and I was house-bound for a bit. Me and the Yaris are not safe in snow - trust me.

After the roads were cleared up - a day or two - I went out to the dam on a whim. Surely, if they're on the Elk they'll be on Wilson Lake. Yes, yes, yes! Again, very far away but hope springs eternal. Patience may win the day. This site is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail. There is ample parking and public access and I am happy. So I go out and shoot some in the frigid wind chill but no pelican flies close for an hour or more. Again with the freezing fingers. Again with the tearing eyes and hair whipping about my face. Again with the herons and cormorants and gulls and coots.

Finally, a flock of seagulls (...that phrase takes me back) finds a school of bait fish and begin a feeding frenzy close to shore. A lone male American White Pelican spots the action and takes advantage. Finally. Finally.

He swoops and circles.

He banks and dances in the winds.

His wingspan is magnificent.

His calm demeanor shows he means business.

He turns for the landing.

His reflection is beautiful in these boiling waters beneath the dam.

Perfect landing.

Success, both him and me.

Ice Udders

Wilson Lake

WARNING: This post will make you feel cold. Brew some hot tea and wrap up good before reading. While visiting the lake during the frigid weather my mom and I made time for some road trips. The snowfall where we were was much lighter than the eastern portion of the state where Eve lives so we were able to get out for odd road trip. Our last road trip was to the dam in search of pelicans.


What we found was an alien land, it's edges dripping with ice formations. The chop and splash of Wilson lake had covered everything alongside the Tennessee River. Initial coatings from relentless waves eventually created udders of ice reaching downward toward the steel blue, roiling waters.


When I say "we" I mean me and my camera for mom was all too happy staying inside the car with the heater going. Which is exactly where she needed to be, having had some surgical procedures recently. The goal was to get her out of the house so she could see something besides 4 walls and a television set. Birding expeditions always rock, and the dam is normally the perfect spot. While there we met a gentleman about her age who had seen pelicans AND the recent Operation Migration stop and flyover of Whooping Cranes! Now THAT'S a GOAL for me!


But I digress. While I watched all manner of waterfowl circling and calling in the brisk breeze, diving down into the boiling water to catch dinner I walked closer to the edge and looked down at the shoreline. You are seeing what I saw, or a small portion of it anyway.

The wind chill was fierce and I didn't have gloves on but I stayed until my fingers turned blood red and painful. There was so much beauty in these formations. Nature is the premiere artist and forever optimist. We always hear "take lemons and make lemonade" and that saying applies here as well. Except it could be "take freezing temperatures, strong winds and icy waters and make ice sculptures!" Such beauty is just beyond the edge - we just have to look for it.

Pelicans, Redux

I've been MIA - sorry. We've been doing some moving, which is NOT what I want to talk about so instead I'll inundate you all with more pelican photos. Mine are not stellar. They're rather common. I know this because I found some uncommon and fantastic white pelican photos that are a-freakin'-mazing by a gentleman I only know as JCompton. His name is probably in the website somewhere, but oh...my goodness what an amazing photographer. It looks as though he's able to get pretty close to a whole bunch of white pelicans. Go straight to the section about beak stretching for a good chuckle and literally jaw-dropping shots. I was searching on-line for pelican anatomy and found Mr. Compton, who was much more entertaining and amusing.

As I said, we've been doing some moving....which I wasn't going to discuss. Fortunately, Life goes on and I had another meeting scheduled at the beautiful Doublehead Resort on Wilson Lake. Alabama. (Not that mega-wilson-lake in Kansas.) Because this was my first fun time in a bit I had to go check out the pelicans. They're doing fine, thank you very much. Pelican #1 was posing on what at first glance seemed to be a log but after closer inspection turns out to be an old tire. So much for pristine, eh? I guess some trash has a purpose. That, and birds are opportunists. It was sticking up just right after all. As a bonus, the tire seemed to be attracting turtles. See the little head below the pelican, to the left? So cute - little pond sliders.

Pelican #2 was waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy far away preening, cleaning his feathers while a great blue heron skulked around behind him. Not long after this shot a few Canada Geese flew in. Bliss. I just sat in the car with the windows down and listened to the peace. So idyllic, so restful, so beautiful. As peaceful and blissful as this setting was, there was no time to spare as work awaited me at home. Hopefully, I'll be back with more adventures soon.

What to do?

Yesterday, I discovered a birding area just south of the dam. Doublehead Resort is nearby, which was the purpose for my trip. However, upon arriving noticed a North Alabama Birding Trail sign pointing past the resort. Knowing it couldn't be very far, plus I was early, plus I had my camera (any excuse will do), I kept rolling southward toward the bird trail.

The area is just opposite the resort in a sheltered wetland. Cattails and grasses indicate shallow waters perfect for birds and other creatures. I spotted the typical cast - egrets and great blue herons. Then, to my utter surprise, two white pelicans floated into view. Shaking with excitement and yelling for joy I turned around and headed for my appointment, vowing to return afterward.

The resort owners were not surprised by my discovery of the white pelicans, but were surprised that two remained behind. They normally migrate north in the late winter/early spring. Following our appointment I returned to the birding area and began taking photos, observing them through the zoom lens. I can see why they're here. One has a broken wing. It has since healed but clearly he/she cannot fly. The other pelican may also be injured, or may be the injured pelican's mate.

I watched them for a long time and took photos until a rain cloud sent me scurrying for the safety of my car. The pelicans seem fine. This shallow water grants them good fishing. The waterway is narrow, which means no fast boats or jet skis. It is quiet, and their friends are there, tons of herons and the egret, no doubt some ducks and coots as well. There are no alligators here, but the usual predators are - foxes, coyotes, dogs, etc.

I sent my wildlife specialist a note and photos, asking for his opinion. Should they be rescued? Should they simply remain? What is the best thing to do for these glorious birds? I have an affinity for white pelicans. It's like seeing a grizzly bear, or antelope, or bighorn sheep, any creature that you've always read about and dreamed about - then there it is, right in front of you. Proof that the earth breathes and all things are truly connected. When my friend answers I'll update my blog but in the meantime if any of my birding friends have some sage advice to share I would very much appreciate it.

NOTE: As I was writing and posting this my TVA friend answered my e-mail. Here's what he said: "Both of these birds are injured. One of them has been present about 6-8 years now. The second one showed up about 3 years ago. They are male and female, but I have seen no sign of mating activity…injured birds typically don’t try to mate. They do just fine, still have no problems finding food, and seem to enjoy each other’s company."