Hanging Out Together

November 22, 2025 / Rebecca / 15 Comments

Recently, I watched a group of American white pelicans swimming alongside double-crested cormorants at the lake. This wasn’t the first time I had seen them together, which led me to wonder why these two birds, which seem to be an unlikely combination, would be hanging out.

Research revealed that both are fish-eaters that hunt together, assisting each other in finding food; however, their fishing techniques differ. Pelicans herd fish into shallow water where they are easy to catch, while cormorants are underwater fishers. Their diving causes the fish to rise to the surface, enabling the pelicans to swoop in and scoop them up with their large bills. While pelicans can at times exhibit greedy behavior, this collaborative approach to fishing is mutually beneficial for both species involved.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ~Mother Teresa

December Scenes

January 3, 2025January 30, 2025 / Rebecca / 18 Comments

Several photos that were taken around the lake during December. I was surprised to see two turtles sunning on a log so late in the year. I’m sure they will find a warmer place underwater as the big cold front creeps in this weekend.

Below is a peaceful scene of cormorants and gulls gathered at a distance from the boardwalk.

“I like to think that to one in sympathy with nature, each season, in turn, seems the loveliest.” ~Mark Twain

Note: Credit goes to my husband for the colorful slug photo.

Sauntering and Savoring

November 26, 2024 / Rebecca / 14 Comments

Anyone who has ever taken a walk with me knows that I am not a fast walker. I prefer to move at a leisurely pace, allowing myself time to pause, absorb, and appreciate my surroundings. How much we miss in life by rushing past all of its little treasures.

It wasn’t until I slowed the car and rolled down the windows that I realized I spend most of my days driving ‘through’ life without driving ‘in’ life. So, I’ve decided to walk because the pace is slower and the windows are always down. ~Craig D. Lounsbrough

A Common Goal

March 25, 2021 / Rebecca / 14 Comments

While hiking a wooded trail that runs beside the lake, we found a view through the tree tops of a group of White Pelicans flying high overhead.

Continuing on, we suddenly heard a loud noise, and were surprised to see a flock of White Pelicans mixed with Double-crested Cormorants plummeting onto the lake near where we were hiking. Two birds that you wouldn’t expect to see together, but united in a common purpose.

After the commotion of the landing, the fishing party proceeded quietly along the shore for a short distance and then headed out across the lake toward the opposite shore.

“Teamwork is a powerful advantage when you share a common goal.” ~Phil Geldart

Cormorants

March 19, 2021 / Rebecca / 9 Comments

Other than a gentle whir of wings, there is nothing to indicate that a flock of Double-crested Cormorants are quietly flying overhead. Shortly before sundown, they can be seen moving swiftly through the sky, perhaps heading for a nearby roosting sight.

While Double-crested Cormorants are interesting birds to watch,

their growing presence at Reelfoot Lake is having damaging and irreversible effects on the local habitat, including the Cypress trees, many of which have been around for hundreds of years.