Recently, we had the pleasure of watching the stunning beauty and graceful flight of white pelicans during their annual fall migration at Reelfoot Lake.
“To the sane and free it will hardly seem necessary to cross the continent in search of wild beauty, however easy the way, for they find it in abundance wherever they chance to be.” ~John Muir
White pelicans, migrating from their breeding grounds in the north, sometimes take a southern route along the Mississippi River. A number of these birds arrived at Reelfoot Lake in October in search of food and a place to rest.
On our first encounter with them, we spotted a large number flying silently overhead.
Later, we saw several sitting on logs out in the lake, preening their beautiful white feathers.
Below, the second pelican from the right eventually grew tired of sitting and preening, and opted instead to go for a swim.
Whether in the air or on the lake, it is always a welcome surprise to come across these magnificent birds.
“Nature’s prime favourites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.” ~James Montgomery
The White Pelicans are once again back to winter at Reelfoot Lake. From the boardwalk, we were able to watch as they glided gracefully through the water. Every so often, they would dip their heads underneath the water and scoop a fish up into their large yellow bills.
“Sometimes you need to unplug and enjoy nature’s company.” ~Unknown
Despite the overcast skies, we recently headed to Reelfoot Lake in hopes of seeing the white pelicans. After looking for them in all the usual places, we finally found them at our last stop of the day. It quickly became obvious that we weren’t the only ones watching them. We spotted five eagles sitting high atop the trees — perhaps hoping to pick off a wounded pelican as easy prey. Unfortunately, the grey day changed to a light drizzle, and then to rain, and our time of watching the pelicans came to an end.
“We could all take a lesson from the weather, it pays no attention to criticism.” ~Unknown
A few shots from a recent trip to Reelfoot Lake State Park.
“Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off. How many are left? Five, because deciding is different than doing.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 